A WOULD-BE child abductor has tried to snatch a nine-year-old girl off the street.

The youngster was grabbed by a man of Asian appearance as she walked home along a Southampton road.

The attack in Highfield Lane, Portswood, was only thwarted when a passing woman intervened - and the would-be kidnapper fled.

Shocked residents have voiced growing concerns. The incident happened less than half a mile from where Portswood teenager Hannah Foster was abducted and later killed.

The girl, who cannot be named, was approached by the man in a red car as she walked past Highfield Church Hall. He got out of the car, seized the girl by the shoulders and began to steer her towards his vehicle parked near a pelican crossing.

But a passing Asian woman intervened and the attacker left the area.

The girl, said to be shocked but unhurt, continued home and reported the incident to her family who reported it to police later that day.

Now detectives in Southampton are carrying out door-to-door inquiries around Highfield Lane as they try to close the net on the attacker.

Specially-trained officers are also questioning the girl for more details of the incident which happened on Monday at about 4pm

Det Sgt Richard Rowledge, based at Bitterne CID, said he was eager to trace the woman who stepped in and headed off the abduction.

He said: "We have little idea who this woman was who intervened and that's where we're concentrating our enquiries.

"If anybody recalls seeing anything suspicious in Highfield that day, I would be happy to hear from them."

Residents in the area say they are shocked at the latest attack, which comes less than eight months after 17-year-old Hannah Foster was snatched just yards from her home in Grosvenor Road and subsequently murdered.

Dr Sue Dewhurst, chairman of Highfield Residents' Associ-ation, said: "This brings back memories immediately of Hannah's murder.

"This is very worrying.

"We have good relations with the police and have seen officers on the beat more frequently but this is a big concern."

Anyone with information should call Det Sgt Rowledge on 0845 045 4545.