A TEENAGER had her arm grabbed by a stranger in a suspected attempted abduction in Westhoughton.

The girl was walking in Dobb Brow Road when the man tried to grab her on Thursday, February 19 in the evening.

She screamed and the man ran away but the teenager was left shaken by the incident.

The man is described as being in his 30s, white, of a slim build, about 5ft 5in tall.

He was wearing a dark coloured hat, a dark blue hooded coat and tracksuit bottoms and was carrying a Tesco bag.

The incident is not connected to reports of a man in McDonalds in Pavilion Square who has been reported to the police for approaching groups of young people.

The person has been spoken to by police and he is not a danger to the public.

A police spokesman said he has "complex social needs" that police are hoping will be addressed.

The spokesman added: "We would like to reassure the Westhoughton community regarding some recent Facebook posts about an attempt abduction and other concerning incidents.

"If anyone can assist the police with this enquiry they should ring 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."