A MAN attempted to drag a woman off a street in St Albans and bundle her into his car while two passing motorists slowed down to see what going on and then continued driving. The 41-year-old woman was walking to work up Folly Lane at 6.40am on Friday morn

A MAN attempted to drag a woman off a street in St Albans and bundle her into his car while two passing motorists slowed down to see what going on and then continued driving.

The 41-year-old woman was walking to work up Folly Lane at 6.40am on Friday morning when she heard a car pull up behind her and a man grabbed her right arm from behind.

She started to struggle and her attacker began to make threats towards her. He then tried to force her into the front passenger seat of his car - a white Ford Focus. The woman, who is from St Albans, continued to fight against the man and kicked the front passenger door of the vehicle, possibly causing damage.

She finally managed to break free and ran away. The man got back into the car and drove off towards the city centre.

Detective Constable Julie Hurrell-Nugent said: "We would ask that anyone who witnessed this incident or who has information to come and speak to us.

"We are aware that two motorists did slow down as it was happening and this may well have distracted the offender enough to allow the victim to escape. They may not have realised the true extent of what was going on but it's vital that we speak to them as soon as possible."

Police would also like people to keep an eye out for a white Ford Focus which has probably got damage to the front passenger side door.

The attacker is described as black, well built, about 6 ft tall and aged between 35 and 40. He was wearing a dark green coat, a black beanie hat, blue jeans and white/multi-coloured trainers. At the time of the attack the woman was wearing a grey coat and grey trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 01707 638232 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.