An important witness has come forward to help police with their investigation over the abduction of a young girl in a York alleyway.

The witness came forward after the story yesterday on thisisyork.co.uk and in Evening Press telling how the five-year-old girl was taken into a garage by a young man from the alley she had been playing in, in the South Bank area of York.

DC Ian Murray, of York Police, said: "As a result of the Evening Press's coverage we've had an important witness come forward and we're following that up this morning."

The incident is believed to have happened at about 5.30pm on Tuesday in an alley parallel with Trafalgar Street, York.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Press the girl's mother said she was relieved that her daughter had been found safe and sound after the man locked her in the garage after the incident. She said: "My daughter was playing in the lane round the back with her sister and a couple of other friends. Two of the friends needed to go home, and my other daughter walked them round the corner.

"As far as we can make out, somebody picked her up and took her into one of the garages with what intention we don't really know."

Police said the man spent "some time with the child" in the garage and then left her there.

They added it was not clear whether the child was sexually assaulted, but she did not suffer any physical injuries. The man is described as "young" about 5ft 7in tall, of average build, with short dark hair and is believed to have been wearing black trousers and a dark top.

A man has been arrested and questioned about the incident, though later he was released on police bail.

Anyone with any information should ring York CID on 01904 631321.

Updated: 10:41 Friday, June 22, 2001