Man tries to abduct two-year-old girl from pushchair

Police searching for man described as black, about 40 years old, 5ft6ins tall with black hair and thick beard

Google street view image of Eastrop Park in Basingstoke, Hampshire, where a man attempted to abduct a two-year-old girl from a pushchair nearby (Google Maps)

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man attempted to abduct a two-year-old girl from a pushchair in Hampshire.

A 25-year-old woman was walking with her daughter in a stroller when they were approached by an unknown man near Eastrop Park in Basingstoke, police said.

The man began speaking to the woman, before trying to take the child out of the pushchair.

The incident is said to have taken place at about 4pm on Thursday near the public park, which has a large boating lake.

The man is described as black, about 40 years old, 5ft 6ins tall with a stocky build, black hair and a thick beard and moustache.

He was wearing a white mask, a royal blue padded jacket, grey jeans and white trainers.

Police have appealed for anyone who could have information to phone 101 with the reference number 44210043340.

To give information anonymously, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously

Additional reporting by PA