Boy, 8, 'abducted in broad daylight from south-east London park'

A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping an eight-year-old boy in broad daylight from a park in south-east London.

Scotland Yard said officers were called to reports of a missing child in Burgess Park close to Addington Square, Camberwell, at 5.20pm on Monday.

Officers from the National Police Air Service and Mounted Branch were also scrambled to help with the search.

The child, 8, was found later in the company of a stranger.

A 24-year-old man was identified as the suspect by police.

The suspect ran from police, resisted arrest and attacked officers by kicking and spitting at them as they tried to detain him, the Met said in a statement.

He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of kidnap and two counts of assault on police, as well as common assault.

The man was also arrested for failing to appear at court and for being wanted in relation to a separate matter outside of London.

Officers took the 24-year-old to a south London police station where he remains in custody for questioning.

The boy was reunited with his family shortly after the attack.

A crime scene remains in place although there are no other reports of injuries.

Both officers were taken to hospital for treatment after being assaulted by the suspect, and have now been discharged.

DS Paul Barham from Southwark CID said: “Child abductions like this are very rare. The boy involved has been reunited with his family.

“I am grateful for the members of public who reported this matter to police.

“I would also like to praise the resilience of the officers who chased and detained the suspect and kept him restrained despite him punching and kicking them and spitting in their face.

“Their efforts have taken a dangerous man off the streets.

“Their bravery and commitment to tackling this suspect is typical of the hundreds of response team officers in London who work 24/7 to catch criminals and put themselves in harm’s way to keep the public safe.”