There have been claims a woman "attempted to snatch" a young girl at Bluewater shopping centre over the weekend.

The incident happened on Saturday (September 20) at around 1.30pm near the Winter Garden toilets.

Family member Adam Park posted on social media: "Today a family member was taking her daughter to the toilet at Bluewater. She was also pushing her baby in a pram at the time so her daughter was a step or two ahead.

"In the process, what is believed to be an eastern European woman walked between the daughter and her mother and grabbed her daughter by the shoulder and the hair.

"The very brave daughter screamed and a man came up to the woman, pulled the woman away and they both ran off.

"We can only assume this was an attempt to snatch the poor young girl.

"Thanks to the quick reaction of the mum and the brave (girl) knowing to scream when she is confronted by a stranger, everyone is OK. Other than a distressed young girl.

"This is not a hoax. This happened today."

A Kent Police spokeswoman said: "Kent Police is investigating after receiving a report that a child’s shoulder and hair was grabbed by an unknown woman at Bluewater on Saturday, September 20.

"The incident, which is currently being treated as an assault, is reported to have occurred near the Winter Garden toilets at around 1.30pm.

"The child was not injured.

"The suspect is described as a woman with tanned skin, aged between 45 and 50, 6ft tall, of large build, had very long black hair in a ponytail and was wearing a dark coloured skirt that flowed and a dark coloured cardigan."

A Bluewater spokeswoman added: "Bluewater can confirm the police were involved regarding an alleged incident that occurred on Saturday afternoon. 

"The safety of our guests is our number one priority and we are assisting the police in their enquiries including sharing CCTV footage. 

"Unfortunately we are unable to comment further in this police investigation."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about the suspect is asked to contact PC Mark Collins at Kent Police by calling 01474 366381 and quoting reference XY/033481/14.

Alternatively, call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. 

Do you know the person affected by this incident? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 711.