Investigation launched after reports teenage girl was 'dragged into a car' and abducted

The victim, thought to be around 17, was reportedly snatched from the street and bundled into a car

Higginshaw Lane in Royton, where the girl was seen being grabbed by the man and pushed into the front passenger seat of the vehicle (screen grab/Google Earth)

Police have launched an urgent investigation after reports a teenage girl was abducted in Oldham.

The girl, thought to be aged about 17, was thought to have been snatched from the street and bundled into a car, detectives have said.

Police were called at around 2pm on Monday after the girl was seen being grabbed by the man on Higginshaw Lane in Royton and pushed into the front passenger seat of the vehicle.

The silver car, thought to be a Skoda Octavia or similar sized car, then turned left onto Salmon Fields and stopped after a short distance, waiting until the same man walked up to the vehicle and got into the back seat.

The car was then driven off by another person.

The girl was wearing a cream, knee-length coat and dark jeans, while the man who got into the back seat is described as white, 34 to 38-years-old, with dark hair and was wearing a mustard t-shirt.

Detective Sergeant John Coleman of Greater Manchester Police’s Oldham borough said: “We received a report that a girl was dragged into a car in Oldham and we have launched an investigation.

“This may turn out to be of innocent circumstance but we need to make sure that this girl is safe and well.

“If anyone has any information or witnessed the incident, please contact police immediately. Or if you are the girl, I would urge you to get in touch.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries and the girl’s welfare is our utmost priority but we need your help.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1288 of 31/10/16 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.