Man arrested on suspicion of kidnap of four children in Chelmsford
Police have arrested a man on suspicion of kidnap.
Last updated 14th Oct 2024
A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after Essex police dealt with a report of a man leaving Chelmsford with four children in a car.
Initially the incident – reported to them yesterday evening (Sunday 13th October) – was dealt with as a missing people investigation.
As a result of their work on the report, the case moved from a missing episode to a potential abduction, with the safety of the four children being of utmost importance.
As a result of information provided by members of the public and the use of a number of policing tactics, the man and four children were located in the east London area safely at about 11pm.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remains in custody today.
Acting Detective Inspector Dan Smith said: “This incident moved at an incredibly fast pace late last night and thankfully, alongside colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, we were able to bring it to a safe conclusion.
“At all times, our priority was the safety of the children present.
“A thorough investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding is now taking place.”