Two schoolgirls were approached by a man who tried to talk to them and even grabbed one of their coats in Reading on Thursday morning – sparking an attempted abduction police probe.

A man – described as being of “chubby” build – approached the young girls on two separate occasions between 8am and 8.15am today on Cressingham Road, close to the junction with Northumberland Avenue.

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He tried to talk to them both and grabbed one of the girl’s coats.

Fortunately neither of the girls were injured.

The man is described as being white and aged between 30 and 40. There will be extra police in the area while police probe the terrifying incident.

Police are now urging anyone with information or dash-cam footage to come forward.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Dave Turton of CID based at Reading, said: "These are incidents in which a man has attempted to engage with two girls at separate times this morning in the same location.

"We are appealing for anyone who was driving on Cressingham Road at the junction of Northumberland Avenue this morning between 8am and 8.20am and believe that they witnessed either incident to contact police.

"We would also ask anyone who may have dash-cam footage to please check it to see if it has captured either of the incidents or anyone acting suspiciously.

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"Additionally if there are any other witnesses to this incident we would ask them to come forward.

"This is a concerning incident for the community, and as such there will be an increased police presence whilst we continue to investigate."

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting reference 43190298465.