A 12-year-old girl was grabbed by several men in St Albans.
The incident happened on Tuesday, May 7 outside Marks & Spencer on Russell Avenue between 6.15pm and 6.30pm.
Several men got out of a blue car and took hold of her before a passing woman intervened and the men left.
Herts police Insp Andy Wiseman said: "I understand that news of this incident will be alarming to the local community. There is no suggestion at this stage that the males were attempting to get the girl into the car and she is safe with her family.
"Officers are working with the girl to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident and other enquiries, such as CCTV checks, are ongoing."
If you were the member of the public who intervened please contact police as soon as possible by calling 101, quoting crime reference 41/41071/19.
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