The girls were on their way to school at the time
The suspect approached two 11-year-old girls as they were walking in Woolwich Manor Way at around 8.10am on Thursday, 19 November.
He grabbed one of them by the arm and tried to drag her away but the second girl managed to pull her free and both girls ran away from him.
PC Harry Albon, who is investigating the incident, said: “Although the girls were not physically harmed, they were understandably shaken by this incident.
“At the time the girls were approached there were a number of young people on their way to school who may have seen the victims struggling to get away from the suspect. It is important that those people make themselves known to police and share what they saw.”
The Met Police is working with the school’s staff and pupil to ensure children are supported and that the suspect is identified quickly but they are asking for help from the public,
The suspect is described as a black male, aged around 30, 6ft tall of medium/chubby build with short dark hair and a navy blue knitted hat.
He was wearing a dark grey coat, with black jogging bottoms, a black T-shirt, and possibly a navy-blue gilet. It is believed he was drinking a bottle of alcohol.
Anyone who can assist in identifying the suspect, or who saw the incident take place, is asked to contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 2606/19NOV.
To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org to report online.
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Tags: Newham, Beckton
