A man in his 60s has been arrested by police after allegedly attempting to coax a 3-year-old girl away with the lure of sweets in Freshwater, Isle of Wight, on Friday morning (September 27, 2024).
The disturbing incident reportedly took place at around 8:30 a.m. in the School Green Road area while the young child was being walked to school. It is alleged that the man asked the girl if she wanted to leave her father to go shopping and get sweets with him. Witnesses also claim that the man made inappropriate gestures towards the child by thrusting his hips.
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary moved swiftly to investigate, and by the end of the day, they had identified and arrested a 61-year-old man from the Isle of Wight. He was taken into custody at Newport Police Station on suspicion of attempting to take a child with the intent to remove them from a person with lawful control.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue. Authorities are urging anyone with information about this incident or similar occurrences to come forward. Those with relevant details are asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 44240419623.
Police continue to work closely with the community to ensure the safety of local children and to investigate the full circumstances of this troubling case.
