A 15-YEAR-OLD girl was approached by a man who offered to give her a lift in Dorcan earlier this month and police are now on the lookout for witnesses.

The incident happened on Tuesday, February 14, between 1pm and 3pm as the girl was walking along St Paul's Drive.

As she approached Bullfinch Close, a grey metallic BMW drove out of the close and the driver, who was alone in the car and had the window open, asked the girl to get into the car so he could give her a lift.

The girl continued walking, the driver then sped off towards Dorcan Academy.

Although distressed the girl was unharmed.

Wiltshire Police are now appealing for witnesses in tracking down the man.

A spokesman said: "The man is described as Indian looking, with an Indian accent but he also sounded local to Swindon.

"He was about 30 years old, of medium build with short dark hair - it was a bit longer on top and pushed back. He had a short, stubbly beard that was shaped and went just under his chin, a large nose and his eyebrows were big but shaped.

"He wore a dark, short-sleeved top and had what looked like a tattoo sleeve on his right arm."

PC Kate Jackson added: "I would like to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in this area at this time; perhaps you saw a grey BMW acting suspiciously or being driven fast?

"If you recognise this description of a man, again please come forward.

"I want to reassure members of the public that we take reports like this very seriously and are carrying out a thorough investigation including increased patrols in the area.

“I would also like to remind parents and guardians that, although incidents like this are rare, it is important to remain vigilant and teach children not to talk to strangers."

If anyone has any information, contact PC Kate Jackson on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, people can email: kate.jackson@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk