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One Direction fans urged to speak out over attempted post-gig abduction as police make arrest

Teenage One Direction fans who were approached in Manchester by a man in a car earlier this year are being urged by police to come forward.

The girls, who were apparently going to a One Direction concert at the Etihad Stadium on May 30, were followed down Fairfied Street by a man in a five-door silver Vauxhall Astra who kept stopping close to them.

The incident occurred at around 7:15pm and was reported to a PCSO by a man who challenged the car driver and frightened him off.

It is believed that the driver was making attempts to entice the girls into his car, causing an investigation to be launched to which the girls could be pivotal.

Detective Inspector Anna Buchanan said: “The last thing we want to do is cause alarm or distress to these girls or their parents but it is absolutely vital that we speak to them.

“We have seen a man approach them in his car and have made an arrest as part of this investigation but we need to get an account from each girl about what was said to them.

“I want to reassure them or anyone who knows them that they are absolutely in no trouble at all and anything they tell us can be treated in confidence.”

Both girls are described as white teenagers.

One was described as having blonde shoulder-length hair that was partially tied up and was wearing a denim jacket, black leggings or jeans and long knee-high boots, carrying a black handbag.

The other is said to have long dark wavy hair that ended in the middle of her back.

She was wearing black stone-washed jeans, black shoes or ankle boots and a black leather-type jacket.

She was carrying two bags – one a multi-coloured bag and the other a camel-coloured handbag, which she carried across her shoulder.

A 43-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted abduction, but has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5816.

Picture courtesy of Jonny Hutcheon, with thanks

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