Man charged after attempted abduction in Brighton

Detectives investigating the attempted abduction of a child in Brighton have charged a man with attempted kidnap and attempted sexual assault by touching.

By The Newsroom

Published 9th May 2018, 08:22 BST

Updated 7th Jun 2018, 20:37 BST

Michael Belhawla, 24, of Auckland Drive, Brighton, has been remanded to appear before Brighton Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday).

According to police, the girl was walking along Gloucester Road at about 8.25am on Saturday (May 5) having been to post a letter at a letter box in nearby North Road.

She was grabbed by a man just as she turned into Tidy Street and pushed to the ground but this was seen by two passers-by who shouted at him and he ran off.

The girl was severely shocked and had some grazes but did not need hospital treatment, said police.

Detective Inspector Lee Horner said, “We are still keen to trace any witnesses who may have valuable information which could assist our investigation.

“If you can help please contact us immediately on 101 or online quoting Operation Overdown.”

Brighton