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Notice from Police re attempted abduction - Debby O\'Keeffe (20th Dec 2012 - 11:38:06) THIS HAS BEEN SENT TO PARENTS OF BOHUNT CHILDREN. I thought I'd share with all, as I'm sure others will feel the same Debby O'Keeffe ------------------------------------------------------------ Dear Parents Whilst we would not wish to unduly alarm you, we feel that it would be appropriate to make you aware of the following communications from both the Local Authority and Hampshire Police. Yours faithfully Stewart Vaughan For the attention of all Hampshire Schools Please see the media release below from colleagues in Hampshire police following two attempted abductions in the Havant area. Schools will wish to calmly reinforce messages to pupils regarding keeping safe and being aware of 'stranger danger' issues. This may be of particular relevance to schools in the South East of the County, but note that the alleged abductor has a van so could quickly access other geographies. Dave Watson, Head of Safeguarding Unit/Reviewing Service Manager, Hampshire Children's Services Department Tel: 01962 876362; Mobile: 07525 104216 Police are investigating two attempted abductions in Havant Detectives are investigating two attempted abduction allegations in Havant, which they believe are linked. The incidents took place in Leigh Park and Emsworth, yesterday (December 18) and this morning (December 19). Officers were called following the first report that a man tried to grab a 12-year-old schoolgirl from behind at around 1.50pm, yesterday (December 18) in Leigh Park. The girl was walking along the ‘yellow brick road’, between Purbrook Way and Middle Park Way, when the man grabbed her arms with both hands and told her to go with him. The girl managed to break free and ran away. The man is described as: Tanned skin About 40-50-years-old About six feet tall Round shaped face Blue eyes Black, thick, short hair, about 1cm long He had a recent scratch on his left cheek He had a northern accent At the time of the incident he was wearing a thick, black coat, down to his knees and light blue jeans, which were tucked inside muddy, steel toe cap boots. In a similar incident in Emsworth at about 8.30am this morning (December 19), a man attempted to grab an 11-year-old boy in Southleigh Road, Emsworth. The boy was about to cross the road when a man got out of a red van and grabbed the boy’s wrist. The boy shouted, screamed and pinched the man. The man let go and the boy ran away across the road into the traffic causing several cars to beep at him. The boy described the man as: Tanned skin Late 40s At the time of the incident he was wearing jeans, with a hole in the knee and black boots. The van is described as dark red, with rear sliding door with blacked out windows. There were lights on the front and around the roof of the van. While both the boy and girl were not harmed in any way, they were understandably very shaken. Police are searching both areas, conducting house-to-house enquiries and working with the children and their families. Detective Inspector Jeff Hugget, from Waterlooville CID, said: “I would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to identify the man responsible and have increased police patrols in the areas, particularly around school times. “We would like to hear from anyone who may have been in either of the areas around the times stated and in particular anyone who witnessed either of the incidents. We would also like to hear from anyone who recognises the man from the descriptions given. “Both children did the right thing by running away and raising the alarm. I would like to ask parents to remind their children of the stranger danger message and to report any incidents to us.” Police would ask the public to remain alert but not alarmed, and inform us of any suspicious behaviour. Contact us by phoning 101. Anyone with information is asked to call Waterlooville CID on 101. Alternatively call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Re: Notice from Police re attempted abduction - Editor (20th Dec 2012 - 11:51:17) Havant man arrested in connection with two attempted abductions Police have this morning (December 20) arrested a 49-year-old man from Havant on suspicion of two attempted abductions in Havant The man is currently in police custody and is being questioned by detectives in connection with these two incidents. The first incident happened in Leigh Park at 1.50pm on December 18, when a 12-year-old girl was grabbed from behind in ‘yellow brick road’, which runs between Purbrook Way and Middle Park Way. In a similar incident, a man attempted to grab an 11-year-old boy in Southleigh Road, Emsworth, at about 8.30am on December 19. Police would like to remind the public that nobody has been charged or convicted of these incidents at this time and detectives continue to investigate active lines of enquiry. Police would ask the public to remain alert, but not alarmed, and to ask parents to continue to remind their children of the stranger danger message and to report any incidents to us. Police patrols continue to be stepped up to reassure the local communities. Anyone who may have witnessed either incident or has any information is asked to call Waterlooville CID on 101. Alternatively call the anonymous Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.

Re: Notice from Police re attempted abduction - Jay W (20th Dec 2012 - 14:13:52) Many thanks for posting that (hopefully) the right man has been arrested. Had received a similar alarming message re attempted abductions by text this morning and passed it on to the children. Perfect use of this site!

Re: Notice from Police re attempted abduction - Jon (20th Dec 2012 - 20:16:13) According to the Portsmouth News website, the potential kidnapper is still at large. The 49-year-old Havant man was arrested in connection with the two allegations but after questioning was freed with no further action to be taken. Police say they are now following up other leads in the case.

Re: Notice from Police re attempted abduction - Richard (22nd Dec 2012 - 22:09:11) From the BBC news website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-20825273 Hastings man arrested over abduction attempts A man has been arrested in Sussex on suspicion of two attempted child abductions in Hampshire. Police said a 43-year-old man from Hastings was arrested on Friday night by Hampshire officers. A 12-year-old girl managed to escape after a man had tried to grab her in Leigh Park, Havant, on Tuesday afternoon. And an 11-year-old boy was grabbed by a man who emerged from a van in Emsworth on Wednesday morning. Both children described the man as having tanned skin, wearing jeans and boots and being in his 40s or 50s. Police said the second arrest was not connected to Thursday's arrest of a 49-year-old man who was later released without charge. (Copyright BBC 2012) Editor, I am assuming that you can publish this as it is attributed.

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