Man Arrested After Two Attempted Child Abductions In Blackpool

A man's been arrested after the attempted abductions of two small children in Blackpool.

The first took place on Erdington Road at around 6:40pm when a man entered the back garden of the house and tried to pick up a two year old child before being disturbed by the little girl’s mother. He ran off in an unknown direction and the police were called.

Officers flooded the scene and searched for the man before being alerted to another incident on St Heliers Road just after 10pm. A man had entered a house and was found sat on the bed of a 4 year old girl. Police attended the scene and a 30 year old man was arrested in a back alley without incident. 

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Barrow from the Force Major Investigation Team said, “I would appeal to anyone who was in the vicinity of Edrington Road, Central Drive and St Heliers Road between 5:00pm and 11:00pm yesterday (Thursday 30th June) and who may have seen something suspicious to come forward and contact police. 

“Even the smallest pieces of information may assist the investigation and we would ask people to contact us.” 

Geographic Policing Chief Inspector, Sue Cawley said, “Incidents of this nature are incredibly rare in the country, let alone in Blackpool. I would like to reassure the local communities that we have a large team of detectives and specialist officers investigating these incidents. 

“A 30 year old man from Blackpool has been arrested and is assisting us with our enquiries. We are happy to answer any concerns that the public may have and they can contact their local neighbourhood officers.”