TWO men have been arrested after a teenage girl was grabbed as she spoke to the occupants of a car.

It happened at 9.45am this morning (Tuesday, September 9) in Rawmarsh Road, Sunderland,.

The 17-year-old was speaking to two men who had pulled up in a car when the passenger reached out of the window and grabbed her arm. She then ran off.

The two men arrested in connection with the incident are in custody. The vehicle they were in has been recovered.

Extra officers will be on patrol in the area to offer reassurance.

Detective Inspector Dave English of Northumbria Police said: "We understand incidents such as this do cause concern among our communities.

“However, I'd like to reassure people that we believe this to be an isolated incident and two men have been arrested and are helping with our enquiries.

"Extra patrols will be carried out in the area to offer reassurance to residents and address any concerns they may have.

“We're carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what happened and anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information is asked to get in touch."

Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting reference 276 090914, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.