Man Tried to Snatch Toddler from Mum on Basingstoke Woodland Path
Police are hunting two witnesses after a shocking attempted child snatch in Basingstoke. The terrifying incident happened between 4pm and 4.30pm on Thursday, April 25, along The Spinney footpath on Priestley Road.
Toddler Almost Pulled From Mum’s Arms
A mum in her 20s was walking with her two-year-old daughter between North Hants Hospital and the Post Office sorting office when a man suddenly tried to yank the child from her arms. Thankfully, the mum held tight and the attacker fled empty-handed.
Witnesses Sought After Suspect Flees
The suspect raced off towards the North Hants Hospital car park. A brave man gave chase.
Police want to track down a man and woman walking the opposite way who witnessed the ordeal. Their eyewitness accounts could be crucial.
Suspect Identified and Detained
Basingstoke police have identified a 25-year-old local man and say he is now held in a secure hospital unit.
Chief Inspector Stuart Ratcliffe said: “This was an extremely unusual and isolated incident. The suspect remains in secure care, and we will pursue this matter robustly. We urgently want to speak to the witnesses who saw what happened.”
Both mother and child escaped unharmed.
Seen Something? Contact Police
If you were near The Spinney footpath on April 25 and witnessed anything odd, call police on 101. Quote reference 44190142475.
