Detectives are no longer linking the abduction of a 12-year-old with an attempt to kidnap a younger girl in Birmingham, police said today.
West Midlands Police said inquiries into the abduction, which occurred yesterday in Erdington, had established that different offenders were involved in the offences.
The older victim escaped unharmed after she was pulled into a car in Sutton New Road, Erdington, and then driven to Star City in the Nechells area of Birmingham.
Officers are also investigating the attempted abduction of a nine-year-old girl by another motorist which occurred on Sunday in Alum Rock.
Detective Chief Inspector Ron Winch, the crime manager for the local area, said: "These are two very serious incidents and we are appealing for help from the public to trace the persons responsible.
"After speaking to a number of significant witnesses we are now following the line of inquiry that these two incidents are not linked, due to different descriptions given of the offenders for the attempted abduction and abduction."
Officers have visited local schools to issue descriptions of the cars and offenders, as well as offering safety advice to youngsters.
"Detectives investigating these incidents will, as a matter of course, be examining CCTV in the search further information," Mr Winch said. "Patrols will also be increased in the affected areas to reassure members of the communities concerned."
Describing the second incident, a police spokesman said: "A 12-year-old girl was walking along the road when a dark green saloon vehicle pulled up alongside her. The male driver opened the passenger door and pulled her into the vehicle and drove away.
"The girl managed to escape unharmed a short time later in the Nechells area."
Anyone with information which could assist the inquiry should contact Queens Road CID on 0845 113 5000.
