Police launch investigation after attempted Child Snatch in Portsmouth
Police are investigating a report of a suspicious incident in Butterfly Drive, Paulsgrove, last night (3 April). At about 8.10pm a man is alleged to have grabbed a 9-year-old girl’s ankle, as she was stood on a green communication box. The girl stamped her foot and screamed out and the man walked away. He is believed to have got into a car, where a second person was seen. The car then drove off. Detective Inspector James Stewart said: “We have not received any similar reports in the area, therefore this is being treated as an isolated incident, at this time. “More often than not, this type of incident turns out to have innocent explanation, however we would like to reassure the community that we take all such reports seriously and that a thorough investigation is being undertaken”. “Officers have been patrolling the local area, conducting house to house enquiries and distributing information leaflets. “As always, we advise parents to remind children of the stranger danger message. Our advice is always to stay alert, not alarmed and to report anything suspicious on 101, or in an emergency or if a crime is in progress call 999.” If you witnessed the incident or saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area, we’d like to hear from you. If you have any information relating to this case, please call 101 quoting reference ‘44170124648’, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
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