BLACKPOOL ABDUCTION ATTEMPT INVOLVING 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL: SUSPECTS ON THE RUN

In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community of Blackpool, authorities are actively investigating an attempted child abduction involving a three-year-old girl. The incident unfolded on a busy Tuesday afternoon, specifically at approximately 14:20 BST, outside The Salad Bowl shop located on Topping Street, a well-frequented area known for its bustling shops and vibrant street life.

According to police reports, a man and a woman approached the young girl in broad daylight, attempting to lure her away from her grandmother, who was accompanying her at the time. Witnesses observed the pair engaging with the child, with the woman making an aggressive move to grasp the girl’s hand, an act believed to be an attempt to forcibly take her. Fortunately, the child's grandmother intervened swiftly, preventing the abduction from occurring, and the suspects fled the scene before authorities could apprehend them.

Following the incident, Blackpool police launched an immediate investigation, releasing CCTV footage in hopes of identifying the suspects. The images depict two individuals police wish to question further. The suspects are described as a man on crutches and a white woman in her early 40s. The woman is characterized as having a stocky build, a chubby face, and greasy shoulder-length hair. She is approximately 5 feet 3 inches to 5 feet 4 inches tall, dressed in a coat and a multi-colored knee-length skirt, and appeared unkempt at the time.

Detective Inspector Becky Smith, leading the investigation for Blackpool CID, expressed her concern and urged the public to remain vigilant. She emphasized the importance of community cooperation, especially given the crowded nature of Topping Street during the incident. She stated, “Understandably the public are going to be alarmed and concerned by what has happened. I would urge people to be vigilant and keep an eye out on little ones, especially when out visiting the shops in town.”

Authorities are particularly interested in speaking with witnesses who may have seen the suspects or have relevant information. They are also seeking to locate the man on crutches and the woman, who was described as having a chubby face and greasy hair, wearing casual clothing suitable for the weather. The police have increased patrols in the area and established a dedicated team to follow up on leads, aiming to prevent any further attempts of this nature.

Detective Inspector Smith reassured the community, saying, “Our priority at the moment is to track these two people down as I believe they could have vital information which will assist the investigation. If anyone recognizes the people in the picture, then I would ask them to call police immediately.”

Members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or possess relevant information are encouraged to contact Blackpool CID directly at (01253) 607240 or to reach out anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111. The police continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in ensuring the safety of children and preventing such frightening incidents from recurring.