A MAN tried to abduct an eight-year-old girl in broad daylight in a “sinister” ordeal on Sunday, police say.

The kidnapper, thought to be in his late teens to early 30s, sneaked up behind the youngster, placed a hand over her mouth and dragged her away between 11am and midday in Cherry Tree Wood, Finchley.

But she broke free and managed to escape near the tennis courts and Barnet Police have launched a hunt for her attacker, who was wearing a yellow hooded top with the hood up, black trousers and white Nike trainers with a blue tick symbol.

DC Charlie Pulling, of Barnet CID, said: "This was a terrifying ordeal for a young girl. This was a sinister event and we urgently need to trace this man.

“The park was being used by families at the time of the incident and I would ask anyone who was in the park at the time to contact police; especially if you were taking photographs as you may have recorded an image of this man.

“Police are making strenuous efforts to find this man and in the meantime we will be increasing patrols to keep the public safe.”

He asked residents, particularly parents, to be on their guard and call 999 if they see anyone acting suspiciously.

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference 2419944/11, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.