Man tries to abduct girl, 9, in Sydenham
A man tried to abduct a nine-year-old girl as she walked to school in south London, Scotland Yard said.
He tried to get her into a large blue vehicle in Thorpewood Avenue, Sydenham, at about 08:30 GMT on Tuesday but the girl ran away and raised the alarm.
The man is described as white, aged between 20 and 40, of medium build and was wearing a green padded coat, jeans and a black cap.
Det Ch Insp Greg Pople urged children and parents to remain vigilant.
Mr Pople, of Lewisham Police, added: "We would encourage anyone to alert police immediately by calling 999 if they are approached."
The vehicle has a large scratch on the bonnet, police said.