THE ASSERTIVENESS of two teenage girls saved them from an attempted kidnap in Marlborough, according to police.

The girls, aged 13 and 14, were walking along the High Street when they were approached by an older man who engaged them in conversation near the One Stop Shop.

PC John Lee, of Devizes police, said: "He offered them money to go with him but the girls refused.

"He then linked arms with one girl and started to pull her towards a parked vehicle.

"The other girl then tried to pull her friend away from the man.

"The man continued to offer them money but they managed to cross the road near Caf Uno.

"Passers-by caused him to relinquish his grip and the girls were able to seek sanctuary in Caf Uno."

Police said that the girls were shaken and distressed by their ordeal but still managed to go to Marlborough police station, return to the scene and identify the man.

The police are now urgently appealing for witnesses to the incident, which took place at around 8pm on Saturday evening.

PC Lee said: "It is known that he spent most of the afternoon and evening in various pubs in the High Street."

Police are particularly keen to speak to two women he may have spoken to in the Royal Oak public house, one of whom was wearing a brown leather jacket, a red white and blue shirt, blue jeans and black doc martens.

Anyone with any information should contact Devizes police on 01380 722141.

A man has been taken into custody and has been charged with attempted kidnap.

David Andrew