A school pupil had to 'break free' after being grabbed by a man in a worrying daytime incident next to a busy road in Dorchester.

The incident has been described as 'unsettling' by a community leader and has prompted police to issue an appeal to the community.

The force said a school pupil, whose age has not been disclosed, was grabbed by the wrist after being approached by a man. The pupil was able to break free and left the scene of the incident.

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It happened in the area of Cornwall Road and Albert Road at around 4.55pm on Thursday, May 26.

Local councillor Molly Rennie said the incident was 'unsettling' within a usually safe community.

She said: "Dorchester is a safe space to live and enjoy normal life. Sometimes an issue such as this makes us feel that is not so and even such a rare occurrence unsettles us.

"We always should use normal caution in day to day life and I understand the police are looking for witnesses. If anyone saw anything they felt was odd or unusual, no matter how seemingly random, please do contact the police: it could be vital to bring about an arrest."

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A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: "Dorset Police received a report at 4.55pm on Thursday 26 May 2022 relating to a suspicious incident in the area of Cornwall Road and Albert Road.

"It was reported that a school pupil was approached by a man, who grabbed them by the wrist. They were able to break free and left the scene."

Police officers have been carrying out enquiries and have reviewed CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Officers investigating are now appealing for witnesses to come forward.

Police Constable Stuart Smith, of Dorchester Police, said: "I am appealing to anyone who was walking or driving in the area at the relevant time and may have seen what happened to please contact Dorset Police.

"Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have been made aware and can be approached with any concerns."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk/contact, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55220084012.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.