POLICE have told schools across the borough to be on special alert this week after the attempted abduction of a schoolgirl.

The shocking incident occurred on Thursday last week outside Nower Hill High School, when the 13 year-old was dropped-off outside the school in Pinner Road, North Harrow, by her father at 8.10am, approximately 200 yards from South Way.

She then noticed a white man, whom she describes as being aged in his 40's, of large build, with a grey coloured beard, standing by a silver vehicle, believed to be a Ford.

He spoke with a Scottish accent and asked her if she wanted to get into his car. When she refused his offer, he grabbed her arm and tried to pull her towards his vehicle, but the teenager managed to wrench herself free and ran into the school to alert her teachers.

Staff at the school immediately notified the police and surrounding schools in the area. Later that day, at 4pm, a man matching his description was spotted outside Hatch End High School in Headstone Lane, Harrow, loitering in a X registration silver Ford Ka.

A member of staff went out to look at the vehicle and the man quickly left the scene. DS Tosh Khosah, of Harrow police, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone who recognises the description of the man.

"We would urge parents and children to especially vigilant and to contact us immediately if they notice any suspicious-looking characters loitering around schools." Anyone with any information in relation to the case should call 020 8733 3436.

January 30, 2003 10:00