POLICE were today investigating reports of a man trying to lure an eight-year-old girl into his car on a Southampton housing estate.

The schoolgirl had been in Carnation Road on Bassett's Flowers estate when the man pulled up beside her and asked her to get inside.

Detective Inspector Dennis Stephens, head of Southampton Central CID, said the girl refused and ran off.

She was unhurt in the incident, which happened around 6pm yesterday.

Police are trying to trace the driver of a silver or grey estate-type car.

DI Stephens said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area and either witnessed this incident, or who may have seen a car of this description."

The victim, who is not being named, was today being interviewed by police.

Anyone with information should call Southampton Central CID on 0845 045 4545 or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.