A police appeal has been launched after a man grabbed a 16-year-old in Welwyn Garden City.

It happened at around 10.45am last Thursday, August 28, when she was approached by a man asking for directions.

The girl said she did not know, but the man continued to talk to her and held on to her arm.

Another man then intervened and the suspect got into a van and drove off towards Holwell Road.

He is described as a black man, aged 30 to 40 years old, around 5ft 9ins tall, heavily built and with a bald head.

He was wearing dark green trousers, a dark green polo shirt and a yellow high-vis jacket.

Detective Constable Andy Greenman, who is investigating, said: “This was an isolated incident and is not believed to be linked to any recent incidents in the area.

“Although shaken, the girl was thankfully unharmed.

“I am keen to trace the man who intervened as he may have information which could help the investigation.

“I would also like to speak to anyone else who saw what happened or who has information about the incident.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Greenman via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference number B1/14/2549.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.