AN 11-year-old girl has been approached by a man in a car who demanded she get inside, in an event which 'may cause concern within the community'.

Between 8.25am and 8.30am on Friday, March 26 an 11-year-old girl was walking on Portland Road toward the Foords Corner roundabout in Weymouth when a black or dark-coloured saloon car pulled up alongside her.

It is reported that the driver told the girl that she looked cold and asked if she wanted a lift. The girl said no, but the driver started to demand that she got in the car.

As the man began to open the passenger door of the car, the girl ran off toward the roundabout.

The man is described as white, aged in his late 20s or early 30s and of slim build with short brown hair and blue eyes. He was wearing black jogging bottoms and a dark grey hooded top.

Police Constable Connor Lombardo, of Weymouth police, said: “An investigation is underway into this incident to establish the full circumstances of what happened.

“I fully appreciate that this may cause concern within the community, but I would like to reassure members of the public that we are carrying out a number of enquiries, including checking CCTV in the area.

“I am appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or any motorists who were travelling along Portland Road and may have captured anything of relevance on dashcam to please get in touch.

“I would also like to appeal directly to the driver of the vehicle to come forward so that we can take your account and establish what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210048251. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.