A SECOND schoolgirl has been the subject of an abduction attempt in the same area of Southampton.

Now there are fears that the same man may be targeting youngsters.

In the latest attack an 11-year-old, who was on her way to school, managed to fight off her attacker by kicking him in the shins yesterday morning.

The terrifying ordeal came just days after a 12-year-old girl was targeted by a man as she crossed a road less than half a mile away.

Last night streets in the busy neighbourhood, which are usually swarming with children out playing, were deserted as parents kept them safe inside.

Residents in the area have spoken of their shock at the abduction attempts while police say they are keeping an open mind as to whether the two incidents are linked.

Yesterday's attack happened as the girl walked along Bluebell Road, Bassett, at 8.30am.

She realised a man was following her and when she turned to look over her shoulder, he reached out and tried to grab her arm.

The youngster kicked the man in the shins and ran away, while the man is believed to have fled towards Daisy Road.

Police said the youngster was taken to Southampton General Hospital because she was upset after the incident but added that she was not injured.

Just before noon on Sunday, a 12-year-old girl was walking along Portswood Road, when a man approached her and tried to speak to her.

She went into the nearby One-Stop shop for several minutes to avoid his attentions and when she walked out he attempted to grab her as she crossed near Mayfield Road.

She managed to shrug him off and the man sped off in a car.

People in Bassett last night said they had no choice but to keep their children indoors.

Mother of three Sarah Mizen, 30, of Bluebell Road said: "It's terrible. I only used to let my children play outside in the area between two doors either side of us. But I can't even do that any more.

"They love walking to school, but now I am going to have to take them."

She added: "This street is normally swarming with kids after school. They all play up here. There are hardly any now."

Her neighbour Eileen James, 56, who has three grandchildren, said she could not believe it when she heard the news.

"I was disgusted, horrified," she said. "My grandchildren come and see me a lot. I am very concerned about letting them play out."

Mother of three Kim Blake, 28, also of Bluebell Road, said she too would be keeping her children inside from now on.

The 12-year-old described the man on Sunday as white, fairly tall, in his mid-30s with dark hair and wore jeans, trainers and a jacket.

The second youngster involved in yesterday's incident said her attacker was white, tall and skinny, with brown hair and in his early 20s.

He wore a white GAP hooded top and a blue baseball cap with an NY logo on the front.

Anyone with information on the incidents should call Bitterne CID on 0845 045 4545.