A YOUNG woman was the victim of an attempted abduction in South Woodford last week.

The 17-year-old was walking along Mulberry Way at about 11.15am last Tuesday, July 9, when she was approached by a man in a silver Volkswagen Golf.

The man got out of his car and walked up to the teenager and said "was it you?"

As she turned round, he grabbed her around the neck and pulled her towards him. The girl screamed and called for help.

A police spokeswoman told the Guardian how someone came to the victim's aid and she managed to get away to safety as the man ran off. He then drove off in his car, which had a registration plate of L743 KEG.

The man has been described as aged about 30 and of Mediterranean appearance. He spoke with a foreign accent and is approximately 5ft 10ins tall with a stocky build.

He has dark full hair, brown eyes and was wearing a white tracksuit and a blue and white baseball cap.

Police officers say there was no apparent motive for the abduction and the man was not known by the victim.

Anyone with information about this man or who has seen the car should contact DC Lesley Hamilton in the criminal investigation department at Ilford police station on 8345 2768.

July 18, 2002 13:00