Man quizzed over attempted abductions (From The Argus)

Hastings Man quizzed over attempted abductions in Emsworth

1:30pm Thursday 27th December 2012 in News

A man has been questioned over two attempted child abductions.

A 43-year-old man from Hastings has been bailed until February after he was detained and questioned by Hampshire officers working in Sussex on Friday.

The move follows two attempted abductions in consecutive days last week when a 12-year-old girl in Havant and an 11-year-old boy in Emsworth were grabbed by a man before escaping.

Detectives believe motorists in Sussex – including the drivers of a gold Mini-style car and a blue Vauxhall who were driving in Southleigh Road in Emsworth at around 8.30am on Wednesday, December 19 – could hold vital clues.

The 11-year-old victim of the second attempted abduction told police that drivers sounded their horns at him when he ran into traffic to get away from his attacker.

Detective Inspector Jeff Huggett, of Waterlooville CID, said: “A priority for the investigation is identifying and talking to two motorists who we believe are vital witnesses to the second attempted abduction in Emsworth.

"It is possible these motorists were commuters travelling into or out of Sussex, particularly Chichester, on Wednesday morning.

“You are not suspected of any crimes, but we need to know what else you saw.”

Anyone with information should contact Hampshire CID at Waterlooville police station by phoning 101 and quoting Operation Orris or mini-com users can phone 01962 875000.