ZESHAAN TARIQ FROM PETERBOROUGH CAUGHT IN HORRIFIC CHILD KIDNAPPING PLOT
In a disturbing series of events that has sent shockwaves through the community of Peterborough, a man named Zeshaan Tariq was involved in a heinous attempt to abduct young children in the Dogsthorpe area.The incident unfolded on a summer afternoon in July 2023, when Tariq, a 28-year-old resident of Peterborough, was seen driving through the neighborhood with malicious intent.
According to police reports and court proceedings, Tariq's actions began with him searching online for ways to lure children into his vehicle.
Investigators discovered that he had specifically Googled phrases such as “how to lure a child to a car,” indicating premeditation and a disturbing level of planning.
This online activity was uncovered after his arrest, revealing a troubling pattern of predatory behavior.
The first victim, a 10-year-old girl, was approached by Tariq around 3:30 pm as she was walking to her mother’s workplace.
He attempted to persuade her to get into his car, claiming he was a family member or “uncle,” a tactic often used by predators to gain trust.
When the girl refused, Tariq became verbally aggressive, prompting her to run away in fear.
Despite her escape, he followed her until she found safety among a group of bystanders, crying and seeking help.
Less than an hour later, Tariq targeted a second girl, aged 12, who was disembarking from a bus.
He approached her and again claimed to be her relative, insisting she get into his vehicle due to “bad people” nearby.
The girl, feeling threatened, entered the back of his car.
Tariq then drove away from the scene and parked in a secluded area.
He offered her a fizzy drink, which she later described as tasting “funny,” and proceeded to touch her inappropriately before sexually assaulting her.
The girl, distressed and desperate to escape, told Tariq she wanted to leave, but he refused to let her go.
A struggle ensued, and she managed to break free from his grasp.
Despite her escape, Tariq continued to follow her until she was seen crying and seeking help from a member of the public.
The individual called emergency services, leading to police intervention.
Following the incidents, authorities conducted CCTV checks and, two days later, located Tariq in his Volkswagen Golf on Welland Road.
During the arrest, officers discovered that he was driving while disqualified and without insurance.
A search of his phone revealed recent Google searches related to “how to lure a child to a car,” confirming his intent.
Additionally, police found a bottle of fizzy drink and a bottle of vodka in his vehicle.
Subsequently, Tariq was brought before Cambridge Crown Court, where he was convicted of multiple serious charges, including kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, and sexual assault.
The court sentenced him to a total of eight years and nine months in prison.
An extended license period of three years was also imposed, along with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) to monitor his behavior post-release.
Furthermore, Tariq admitted to two counts of driving while disqualified, resulting in six points added to his license and a further disqualification from driving for eight years and eight months.
During the sentencing, Judge Bishop described Tariq as “every parent’s worst nightmare,” emphasizing the danger he posed.
The judge remarked, “Your internet search history was an alarming insight into what you intended to do.
Society rightly worries about the fact that children do not play outside, you are the reason for that change of concern.
This proves it is rare, but real.
You are an extremely dangerous individual.” The case has left the community deeply shaken, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by individuals with predatory intentions and the importance of vigilance in protecting children from harm.
