DETECTIVES are investigating a 15-year-old girl's claims that she fought off a violent attacker who tried to bundle her into his car.

The man grabbed her by the shoulders as she walked past him in a Bolton town centre street, and tried to abduct her.

The teenager has told police she lashed out and escaped. The girl, who does not want to be named, said today: "He put his hands over my face and said: 'You can come with me'. I was panicking and crying."

The incident happened at around 9.45pm on Monday night in Bradshawgate, near to the junction with Breightmet Street and Shiffnall Street. The girl did not want to be named.

The man is described as Asian, aged around 45, 5ft 3ins tall, of medium build with a short white beard. He was wearing a white hat and traditional Asian clothing and trainers. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Steve Eckersley at Farnworth CID on 0161 872 5050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

As police warned that the attacker may strike again, the girl's father said: "Next time a child may not be as lucky and be kidnapped. I would urge anyone who recognises the man to come forward."