A girl of eight punched and kicked a man as he tried to abduct her 15-year-old sister.

The older girl was being carried off but her sister's efforts helped her break free and escape.

Police praised both girls today and issued an urgent appeal to help catch the would-be kidnapper.

Detective Constable Jo Wainwright, of the Brighton and Hove police Child Protection Team, said: "The sisters were terrified but acted extremely bravely."

The girls had cried for help to scores of people but were ignored. Their mother said: "I'm disgusted. I just can't believe no one did anything."

The incident happened at 4.45pm on Tuesday near the cafe at Hove Lagoon, in a children's play area packed with parents and youngsters.

The man walked directly to the 15-year-old and picked her up. He put her down, as if to prepare to climb over railings on the promenade, and she took the opportunity to flee.

She ran back to her younger sister but the man chased her and tripped her up. He picked her up again and it was then the eight-year-old came to her sister's aid. She punched and kicked him, enabling her sister to break free.

He is in his late 30s, 5ft 8in, with short greying hair and a bald patch. He had a tanned face and wore metal-framed sunglasses, a white short-sleeved polo shirt with blue stripes on the arms and collar, and jeans cut off into shorts.

Witnesses should call Brighton police on 0845 6070 999.