A SCHOOLGIRL aged eight had to fight off an attacker who tried to abduct her in broad daylight in a village street.

The girl's mother has told the Evening Press of her terror after the man struck on the main street through Dunnington yesterday lunchtime.

The attacker tried to entice the eight-year-old into his car and when she refused he got out of the car and grabbed her.

She managed to struggle from him and run for help, but her mother warned that the next child might not be so lucky.

PC Bob Williams, dealing with the case at Clifton Moor police station, said parents and children must now been on their guard, especially while children are out and about during the half-term break.

The family, who cannot be identified to protect the victim, have now decided that their eight-year-old cannot go anywhere alone until this man is caught.

The mother said: "I am very upset and so is my daughter. I keep thinking what would have happened to her had she not managed to break free from him and run away."

The girl was walking with her cousin to the fish and chip shop in Common Lane, when the cousin rode ahead on her bike, leaving the eight-year-old to walk on and catch her up at the shop.

The Dunnington primary school pupil told police that a young white man in a small car, which she described as being similar to a Peugeot 205, stopped alongside her and tried to get her to get into the car.

When she refused, he got out and grabbed her.

According to her mother there were other adults on the street at the time, who obviously didn't realised what was happening.

She said: "We moved to Dunnington from a much bigger place to give our children some safety, but she will not go out in Dunnington alone again.

"Luckily I have taught her not to talk to strangers and she did all the right things.

"Parents must be on their guard for this man and warn their children of the dangers of strangers."

PC Williams said Dunnington parents must not be overly alarmed but that they should be on their guard and talk to their children.

He asked anyone who has any concerns or information to contact the police on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:44 Wednesday, October 24, 2001