Man Tries to Snatch Toddler from Mum on Woodland Footpath
Police are hunting two witnesses after a shocking attempted child abduction on a quiet Basingstoke woodland path.
Terrifying Grab Bid on The Spinney Footpath
On Thursday, April 25, between 4pm and 4.30pm, a man made a desperate attempt to snatch a two-year-old girl from her mother.
The little girl was being carried by her mum, in her 20s, along the Spinney footpath on Priestley Road — a wooded route between North Hants Hospital and the Post Office sorting office.
Suddenly, the man lunged and tried to pull the toddler from her mother’s arms but failed and fled the scene.
Suspect Chased and Caught
A brave man, walking the opposite way with a female companion, spotted the incident and gave chase.
The suspect ran towards the North Hants Hospital car park. Police have now identified a 25-year-old local man, who is currently held in a secure hospital unit.
Thankfully, both child and mum escaped unharmed.
Police Appeal for Witnesses
“This was an extremely unusual and isolated incident,” said Basingstoke Chief Inspector Stuart Ratcliffe.
“We have identified a suspect who remains in a secure unit at this time and officers will be following this up robustly.
“We very much want to hear from the man and woman walking in the opposite direction who witnessed what happened.”
If you saw anything on or near The Spinney footpath on the afternoon of April 25, call police on 101 and quote reference 44190142475.
