A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to abduct a nine-year-old girl at a holiday park.

Merseyside Police confirmed it had taken a 21-year-old man from Bolton into custody following reports of a 'disturbance' at Pontins in Southport on Saturday night.

Police were told at 10pm that security officers had detained a man after allegations that the girl had been approached and attempts were made to grab her.

He was questioned by detectives and has been released pending further investigation.

Officers are looking at CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses to establish what happened.

Det Insp Robbie Moss said: "I would like to reassure the community that we take any reports of this nature extremely seriously and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what happened.

"Security staff at the location acted quickly to detain the man and I would urge any witnesses to speak to us immediately."

A spokesman for Pontins said: “This was clearly an upsetting incident. We’re working closely with the police to help them with their investigation.

"Thankfully our security staff notified the police immediately to deal with the matter.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious that could help should call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, and for free, on 0800 555 111.

There is also an online form at crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information-online