Man arrested after attempted abduction

A man who allegedly tried to abduct a girl in Litherland, Merseyside, before driving into a police car, has been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences.

The 35-year-old, from Huyton, is being held on suspicion of a range of offences including attempted abduction, attempted serious assault of a police officer, dangerous driving, criminal damage and driving whilst over the prescribed limit for a specified drug.

A member of the public told police they had seen the driver of a small white van approach a teenage girl in Litherland. She walked away before the driver continued to drive slowly around the area.

It is believed the family of the teenage girl have since contacted police.

Once police had arrived at the scene the van drove into the police car and towards an officer who was standing at the side of the road. The driver then fled at speed down Hatton Hill Road.

The police driver was uninjured.

Shortly after, the van was spotted by another police car leading to a police chase through Formby and Southport. The van was seen driving on the wrong side of the Formby bypass as well as going the wrong way round a number of roundabouts, towards oncoming traffic.

Police were able to stop the van using stop sticks outside Southport railway station where the driver was arrested.

An investigation is ongoing.

• Anyone with information is asked to contact Sefton C.I.D. 0151 777 3835, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting reference number: 0516240614.