Police appeal after man tries to abduct child in Oldham

The child suffered minor injuries after being grabbed by a man in a balaclava

Rose Street, near to South Chadderton tram stop
Author: Matt SoanesPublished 3rd Aug 2023

A child has suffered minor injuries after an attempted abduction over the weekend in Oldham.

It happened on Rose Street, in the area of the South Chadderton tram stop, between 9pm and 10pm on Saturday (July 29).

A woman who was with her child was approached by a man in a balaclava, who tried to snatch the child away.

He ultimately ran off empty handed, although the woman reported to police that a similar incident has happened earlier that month.

Officers are trying to trace man who is described as Asian, of medium build, with dark clothing and dark shoes.

He had a Nike tick on his jumper and was wearing a balaclava, with the bottom part of his face on show.

Detective Sergeant Scott Deakin, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the mother and her child, and we are determined to bring about justice for them.

“I want to reassure the public that we are looking at all of the evidence available to us, and we are putting all the necessary resources into the investigation. We remain in contact with the mother to share updates when we receive them.

“We are asking for anyone with any information – or doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage – to please come forward. We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Rose Street and the South Chadderton tram stop between 9 and 10pm on the day.

“You can get in touch with police by calling 101 or 0161 856 8999, quoting log number 4018 of 29/07/23.”

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