Gloucestershire police have given Stroud residents a revealing insight into ‘Operation Neptune’ – the hunt for Robert Hall, who tried to kidnap a terrified 13-year-old girl in Chalford last summer.

A video produced by the Constabulary shows how they tracked him down in three days using just a description of Hall, of Woodlands, Leonard Stanley, who was jailed yesterday for five years and nine months.

Gloucester Crown Court heard how Hall, 37, had chased the girl, grabbed her by her face and mouth and attempted to abduct her in Three Groves Wood, but she managed to struggle free.

“This must have been absolutely terrifying for her, I can only imagine how frightening that must have been,” said Detective Inspector Adam Stacey in the video.

He explains how he and his team of detectives, forensic experts and other specialists had a description of Hall and the clothes he was wearing – a grey hoody and blue latex gloves – but not much else.

They put together an Efit, made numerous house enquiries and trawled through CCTV footage.

They launched a media appeal, dropped leaflets through letterboxes and stopped cars to ask questions.

Eventually they got a lead on a silver hatchback car, and an officer spotted one matching its description leaving Chalford just after the incident on CCTV.

They linked the car to Hall, who was a match for the victims description of the offender.

“My whole team were absolutely dedicated in finding this man and bringing him to justice for the victim. She’s been incredibly brave through all of this,” said Det Insp Stacey.

“Everyone who has been involved in this investigation has been blown away by how she has held herself and how brave she’s been.”

Read more: Brave teenager speaks out about attempted kidnap in Chalford

In court, Hall admitted attempted abduction of the girl on June 2, 2020.

As well as the five year nine month jail term the judge, Recorder James Waddington QC added a four year parole extension - meaning that Hall could be recalled to prison if he breaches the terms of his release until the end of 2030.

Read more: Leonard Stanley man Robert Hall jailed for kidnap attempt