A SUSPECTED child abductor was being hunted by police this week, after a frightening incident in which a five-year-old girl was grabbed while shopping with her mother in a Salisbury supermarket.

The attempted snatch occurred in Tesco's Castle Street store, about 6.15pm on Saturday, when the mother-of-four was in an aisle near the hair-care products.

Her two younger children were in a buggy and the girl and her six-year-old brother were standing nearby. Suddenly, the mother turned to see that the girl had been picked up by the man. Realising what was happening, she grabbed the child back and, as she did so, the man dashed out of the back of the store into the Maltings area.

He then ran under Sainsbury's car park, past the LE Fitness gym and through some undergrowth leading to Fisherton Mill and into Fisherton Street.

Detective Sergeant Kevin Osborn, of Salisbury CID, said: "The five-year-old child and mother were both very upset but the child was not harmed physically or sexually.

"The man's motive is not known at this stage but we are treating the incident as an attempted abduction."

The man is described as white, aged 35-45, about 5ft 8in tall, of slim build and with shoulder-length, dark hair, described as scruffy and greying. He was unshaven and was wearing a dark baggy fleece, black jeans and black trainers with white soles.

Police, who are examining CCTV images of the incident, say they are anxious to hear from anyone who saw the man in Tesco, or running through the Maltings and emerging into Fisherton Street - or anyone who believes they might know the offender.

Anyone with information is asked to call Salisbury Police, on O1722 411444, or the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.