POLICE have warned parents and children to be on their guard after two child abductors struck in Birmingham less than 24 hours of each other.
On Sunday an Asian man, described as being in his 30s, wearing glasses and driving a dark green saloon car, tried to entice a nine-year-old girl into his car in Phillimore Road, Alum Rock. The youngster, police said ran off.
The following morning a 12-year-old girl was walking along in Sutton New Road at the junctions with Edward Road and Station Road in Erdington, when a dark green saloon vehicle pulled up alongside her. The male driver, described as being white, in his 30s and wearing glasses, opened the passenger door and pulled her into the vehicle and drove away. The girl escaped unharmed a short time later in the Nechells area.
Detectives are not linking the two incidents but have warned parents to be extra vigilant.
Officers have put schools in the area on high alert, as well as stepping up patrols. They are also scouring hours of CCTV footage as they hunt for clues.
DCI Ron Winch, crime manager for Queens Road police station, said: “These are two very serious incidents and we are appealing for help from the public to trace the persons responsible.
“After speaking to a number of significant witnesses we are now following the line of enquiry that these two incidents are not linked, due to different descriptions given of the offenders for the attempted abduction and abduction.
“We have been speaking to local schools in the areas and have issued the descriptions of the cars and offenders. Officers have given advice to youngsters to help themselves to keep safe.
“Detectives investigating these incidents will, as a matter of course, be examining CCTV in the search further information. Patrols will also be increased in the affected areas to reassure members of the communities concerned.”
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Queens Road CID on 0845 113 5000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“After speaking to a number of significant witnesses we are now following the line of enquiry that these two incidents are not linked, due to different descriptions given of the offenders for the attempted abduction and abduction.
“We have been speaking to local schools in the areas and have issued the descriptions of the cars and offenders. Officers have given advice to youngsters to help themselves to keep safe.
“Detectives investigating these incidents will, as a matter of course, be examining CCTV in the search further information. Patrols will also be increased in the affected areas to reassure members of the communities concerned.”
Anyone with information about either incident is urged to contact Queens Road CID on 0845 113 5000 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
