POLICE RELEASE E-FIT OF SUSPECTED CHILD SNATCHER IN BEDDINGTON AND CROYDON

In a serious development, law enforcement authorities have publicly released an electronic facial identification (e-fit) image of a man suspected of attempting to abduct a 12-year-old girl in the Beddington area, near Croydon. The incident occurred on a Sunday evening, around 5:45 pm, and has prompted a significant police investigation into the matter.

According to reports, the suspect is described as a bald-headed male, estimated to be in his 30s, standing approximately 6 feet 3 inches tall. The man reportedly approached the young girl as she was walking along a path situated between Meller Close and Beddington Park. It was during this encounter that he forcibly grabbed her by the wrists and demanded she accompany him, uttering the words, “come with me.”

The girl, demonstrating quick thinking and resilience, managed to escape by wriggling out of her hooded top and fleeing the scene. Her escape was a fortunate turn in what could have been a tragic situation. The suspect then pursued her from Croydon Road, moving along Guy Road, and crossing a bridge into an alley where the attempted abduction took place.

Authorities are also investigating whether the suspect was on the same bus as the girl, which had dropped her off in Croydon Road. The suspect is believed to have a London accent, adding another detail to the ongoing investigation. Detectives are urging anyone who might recognize the individual from the e-fit image or who has relevant information to come forward and assist with the case.

Detective Inspector Sarah Rees, who is leading the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Sutton, emphasized the importance of public cooperation. She stated, “We want the public’s help to tell us the identity of this man. We also want to hear from anyone who hasn’t yet come forward, who was in this area at this time, to tell us what they saw.”

Additionally, police are particularly interested in speaking to a man with grey hair who was observed looking out from a window in the flats at Meller Close, which overlook Beddington Park. This individual may have witnessed the suspect’s movements and could provide valuable information.

In their efforts to gather more evidence, officers have spoken to members of the traveling community present at Beddington Park. The cooperation from both travelers and local residents has yielded some promising new leads, aiding the investigation.

It is important to note that authorities are not linking this incident to another attempted abduction that occurred near Smitham Primary School in Coulsden on Thursday, May 9. The police continue to investigate both cases separately but remain committed to identifying and apprehending the suspect.

If anyone has any information that could assist the police, they are urged to contact Sutton CID at 0208 8649 0747. Public vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring the safety of children and preventing such incidents from recurring.