Police have arrested a man they say posed as an officer while trying to arrest an 11-year-old girl Saturday night.

The suspect approached a group of kids in the North End, pretending to be a police officer. He singled out an 11-year-old girl, put her arms behind her back and attempted to arrest her, police said.

The girl started screaming and neighbours in the Boyd Avenue and Powers Street area took notice.

Police were called to the scene where they arrested the man.

He has been charged with attempted abduction of a person under 14 years of age, impersonating a peace officer, assault and probation violation.

He remains in custody.