ABDUCTION ATTEMPT
Man who ‘tried to snatch girl, 11, while she walked with sister, four, in Sheffield’ arrested
by Holly ChristodoulouA MAN has been arrested on suspicion of trying to snatch an 11-year-old girl while she was with her younger sister, four, in Sheffield.
The girls were walking together when the suspect, who carrying a doll in his coat like a baby in a carrier, allegedly grabbed the older one around the waist.
She screamed and managed to break free - with both sisters escaping his clutches unharmed.
Police launched an investigation to find the man following the horror in the Arbourthorne area of the city at around 6.30pm yesterday.
He was believed to have been carrying a "lifelike doll" wearing a pink knitted hat inside his jacket.
Cops confirmed this afternoon they had arrested a 23-year-old man.
'VERY DISTURBING'
They released CCTV images of a man they wished to speak to in connection to the abduction attempt.
Officers are also asking parents and children to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.
T/DCI Jamie Henderson, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "This was obviously a very disturbing incident involving two young girls and we are making extensive enquiries to trace the man involved.
"We understand incidents like this are a cause for concern for the local community.
"I’d like to assure residents that we’re increasing patrols and liaising with local schools to make sure people feel safe.
"The children involved in this incident are now safe and well, and both they and their family are being supported by our officers."
Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 755 of 13 February or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
