POLICE were last night hunting a man who tried to drag a teenage girl into his car.

The 14-year-old victim was walking to a friend's house on Sunday afternoon, in the Grange Road area of Darlington, when she was approached by the man who was driving a white saloon car.

The driver, who was aged between 35-40, tried to persuade the teenager to get into the vehicle before grabbing her arm and pulling her towards the car.

The victim managed to break free and ran to her friend's house, where the alarm was raised.

It is the second similar incident in Darlington in a fortnight. On Saturday, July 5, a man grabbed a seven-year-old boy near the junction of Westminster Road and Geneva Road. The boy also managed to break free and run off.

Police said last night that at this stage they were not connecting the two incidents.

The latest abduction attempt happened at about 2pm at the junction of Southend Avenue and Beechwood Avenue.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw the man or his car on Sunday afternoon.

The man is described as 5ft 10in with short dark hair and average build. He was wearing a light-coloured T-shirt.

Police also hope anyone who saw the girl will come forward.

She has long blonde hair, is slim and was wearing a pale green denim skirt and a beige top with a number on it.

Anyone with information or who recognises the suspect from the e-fit (above) can contact Darlington CID on (01325) 467681 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.