Portsmouth manhunt launched as girl, 15, 'grabbed' by man walking through field

An urgent manhunt has been launched after a 15-year-old girl was allegedly grabbed by a man while walking through a field.

The incident unfolded in a grassy area near the coast in Portsmouth at 2.38pm this afternoon. A man is said to have grabbed hold of the girl as she followed a pathway through the field, before fleeing after she began to shout. The suspect is described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, aged approximately in his mid-30s, with light-coloured short shaven/balding hair.

He was wearing a grey t-shirt, cargo shorts, and riding a silver bike. Police are now urging anyone living nearby who may have CCTVor doorbell footage from around the time of the incident to come forward.

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Members of the public have been told to expect an "increased police presence" in the area.

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesperson said: "We are appealing for witnesses following an incident in Portsmouth.

"Police were called at 2.38pm today (24 August) to a report that a 15-year-old girl walking through a pathway in the field on the south side of Tangier Road was grabbed by a man.

"The girl shouted and the man fled the scene. He was described as white, about 5ft 8in tall, aged approximately in his mid-30s, with light-coloured short shaven/balding hair.

"He was wearing a grey t-shirt, cargo shorts, and riding a silver pushbike.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out to identify this man, so if you have any concerns please speak to our officers.

"If anyone has seen this man or has any information about this incident, please call 101 quoting reference 44250383557

"We would also ask local residents to check any CCTV or doorbell cameras they have to see if this man is captured in any footage you may have."