Man attempts to kiss and kidnap young girl in Swindon

Police are now appealing for information

Officers are continuing to investigate the incident
Author: Matthew HutchinsonPublished 31st Jul 2023
Last updated 31st Jul 2023

Police want to hear from anyone who saw a man trying to kiss and kidnap a young girl in Swindon.

At around 5pm on Monday 24th July, the 12-year-old got off the number 10 bus on Bodiam Drive in Toothill.

She met briefly with her Dad, before walking along Stratford Close.

A man then stopped the girl, attempting to grab and kiss her. He also tried to persuade her to enter his flat.

The 12-year-old then managed to escape the situation uninjured.

Police have arrested a man on suspicion of attempted kidnap and sexual assault of a child under 13. He's been released on bail, as officers continue to investigate.

'We are taking it incredibly seriously'

LCI Mead, based in Swindon, said: "This was a very worrying incident and we understand the community concern that it may cause.

"Please rest assured that we are taking it incredibly seriously and are pursuing several lines of enquiry.

"I’d like to appeal for anyone who was in the vicinity at the time and witnessed the incident or may have dashcam footage from the area to get in touch with us".

Officers are urging anyone with information to call them on 101, quoting the reference number 54230077848.

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