A man has been arrested after allegedly trying to abduct a four-year-old girl at a pub.

The 51-year-old suspect approached the child in the Cheshire Cheese pub in Middlewich at 8pm on Saturday, police said.

He tried to lead the youngster away from the area, at which point he was challenged by a parent, Cheshire Police added.

Members of the public then detained the man outside the pub to stop him from leaving.

The man from Middlewich was arrested on suspicion of child abduction and is still in custody, the force said.

The girl was not physically harmed during the incident.

Chief Inspector Claire Jesson said: “While this was a very concerning incident, this was isolated and the suspect was swiftly arrested.

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“I’d like to thank those who intervened and prevented the suspect from leaving the area.

“We have increased patrols to provide reassurance and the family are being supported by officers.”

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