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Police hunt man after 'attempted kidnap' of schoolgirls aged 11 and 13

Appeal: Police hunt man after two attempted child abductions: Google
Appeal: Police hunt man after two attempted child abductions: Google

Police are hunting a man after the alleged attempted kidnap of two schoolgirls aged 11 and 13 in south London.

Scotland Yard said officers are searching for a suspect in connection with two attempted child abductions in the Lambeth borough this week.

A man allegedly grabbed hold of a 13-year-old’s hand and dragged her towards Archbishop Park in Lambeth at about 8am on Wednesday.

A passing dog walker shouted at the suspect and the child was able to escape his grasp on Lambeth Road and run home, police said.

On the previous day, a man approached an 11-year-old schoolgirl while she waited for a bus near the Crown and Sceptre pub in Streatham Hill shortly before 8am.

The suspect lingered until the girl was able to get on a bus and then he left the area on foot, according to police.

Investigating detectives are appealing for information on the alleged abductions.

Officers from Lambeth CID said they believe the two incidents are linked but that they are “keeping an open mind.”

The suspect in the first incident, on Tuesday, March 21, was described as white, about 5ft 10ins tall with a medium build and short blond hair.

He was wearing a black bomber-style jacket, blue jeans, and black lace up leather shoes described as 'smart looking'.

The suspect in the second incident was also described as white, and aged between 35 to 40 years old.

He was described as wearing black thick frame square glasses, a black baseball cap, black jacket and black trousers.

Detective Inspector Ian Kenward, from Lambeth CID, said: "These are two very worrying incidents and we appeal to anyone who was in or around the areas at the time they occurred to contact police.

“Any piece of information may prove valuable to the investigation."

Any witnesses or anyone with any information are urged to contact Lambeth CID on 020 8649 2134. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org