Police launch manhunt after attempted abduction of five-year-old boy in east London who was grabbed on his way home from school
- Police were called to Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets at around 6.40pm last Friday
- Unknown man allegedly followed the five-year-old boy and tried to grab his hand
- Pupil was with two family members and trio managed to escape to friend’s home
- Image released of man who police wish to speak to in connection with incident
Officers were called to Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets at around 6.40pm last Friday after a man allegedly followed the boy and tried to grab his hand.
The pupil was with two other family members and the trio managed to escape to a friend’s home before alerting the police, according to the Met.
An image has now been released of a man who police wish to speak to in connection with the attempted abduction.
He is described as being of Asian appearance, aged in his 20s or 30s and wearing a navy jumper, black jeans, black trainers and a black hat at the time of the incident.
An image (above) has been released of a man who police wish to speak to in connection with the attempted abduction on Brick Lane in east London at around 6.40pm last Friday
The boy was not physically harmed and officers are providing support to his family.
Police are also increasing patrols in the area over this week, including during the school run.
In a statement, the Met said: ‘Police were called at 18:42hrs on Friday, 25 June following a report that an unknown man had approached a five-year-old boy as he walked along Brick Lane.
‘The man is alleged to have followed the boy before trying to grab him by the hand.’
The force continued: ‘The boy was not physically harmed in the incident but it would have been scary for him and those with him. Officers are continuing to provide support to his family.
‘An investigation is ongoing and detectives have been pursuing a number of lines of enquiry, including a comprehensive search of CCTV cameras in the area.
A street view of Brick Lane in Tower Hamlets, where the incident took place. Police are increasing patrols in the area over this week, including during the school run (file photo)
‘They have identified a man who they wish to speak to urgently and have released an image in the hope that the public can help to identify him.’
It added: ‘Officers are not aware of any reports of similar incidents in the area, but in order to provide reassurance to the community, there will be an increased high visibility police presence at key times in the coming week, including school drop off and pick up periods.’
Anyone who can identify the man is asked to call police on 101, tweet MetCC quoting 6617/25JUN or get in touch anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.