According to telegram.com, Athol police are looking for a man in a pickup truck with New Hampshire plates they believe tried to abduct a 9-year-old girl this morning on Wheeler Street.

Police Chief Timothy Anderson said the child was approached by a man driving back and forth nearby in a gray full-sized pickup truck with what is believed to be New Hampshire license plates. When he saw the girl, he stopped and yelled, “Hey you - come here.”

Chief Anderson said that when the man called out, the girl fled. The man then followed her until she met a classmate who was also heading to school. At that point the man drove away.

Police have put out a bulletin notifying area police departments of the possible abduction attempt. Chief Anderson said police patrols have also been increased in the area of local schools.

Athol Superintendent of Schools Anthony T. Polito issued a letter to parents informing them of the possible abduction attempt and recommending that children walk in groups of two or more, be aware of their surroundings, walk in well-lighted areas and urging parents to know where their children are at all times.

Police described the man as being in his late 20s to early 30s, white, wearing a Bruins sweater, black jeans and a red, white and black hat. On the hood of the truck was a sticker which appeared to be black with a yellow outline, Chief Anderson said.

Anyone with any information on the person driving the truck should contact Athol police at (978) 249-3232.

http://www.telegram.com/article/20120124/NEWS/120129752/1116