A man has been arrested and released on bail following three reports of attempted abductions of children in Lambeth.
On January 15, a ten-year-old girl was approached on Sancroft Street, SE11, by a man asking her to go with him. On January 20, an 11-year-old girl was approached on Kennington Lane, SE11, this time by two men who were apparently driving a white car. A man approached a 16-year-old girl the next day, again on Kennington Lane.
Detectives are linking the incidents because of the similarities between them but do not yet have definitive evidence they have been committed by the same person.
The Metropolitan police said: “On Thursday, 22 January, a 24-year-old man from Lambeth was arrested on suspicion of attempted abduction. He was bailed to return to a south London police station mid-March.”
Yesterday officers visited Lambeth schools to give advice to teachers and school children and have asked parents and carers to be wary.
Chief Inspector Nick Collins said: “Officers from Lambeth are currently investigating the incidents and are still trying to determine whether the same man or men were involved in all three.
“Whilst we do not wish to cause alarm I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. I understand that the community will be concerned and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are treating this extremely seriously.”
Patrols in the area have been increased before and after school whilst the enquiries continue.
