A CARTOON-LIKE tattoo of a red devil could hold the key to solving a failed abduction attempt in Wroughton last week.

Police officers from Swindon CID released images of the tattoo at a press conference this morning as they continue their hunt for a man, who tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl as she walked home from Ridgeway School on April 18.

The girl was approached by the man at about 4.30pm as she walked along Berkeley Road at the junction of Perry's Lane.

The man initially offered the girl a lift but when she refused he grabbed her by the neck and tried to drag her into his car.

The girl escaped after biting the man's hand and immediately phoned her mother who contacted the police.

The man, who was white and in his 40s, was driving a blue Ford Ka or Peugeot 106 and police believe parents and children may have seen him before or after the attempted abduction.

He was wearing a grey hooded top with shortened sleeves, was of heavy build and had short brown hair.

Police say he may be acting out of character and would have a bite mark on his arm.

But Detective Inspector Ian Saunders, of Swindon CID, said the girl's description of a tattoo on the man's right wrist could prove to be a significant breakthrough in their inquiries.

He said: "I am confident that someone will recognise this tattoo and will be able to identify the man from this.

"This man needs to be caught as he may pose a risk to other young children."

Anyone with information should contact Det Insp Saunders on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0845 555111.