These chilling images show the moment a
man appears to lead a toddler away from his mother in a busy shopping
centre. In shocking CCTV footage, the young family can be seen walking
through the shopping centre in Derby, East Midlands. At one point (far
left),
the unnamed mother walks very slightly ahead of her child - and seconds
later a man wearing a dark jacket and a cap appears. He then approaches
the 22-month-old (second left) as the child follows his mother into a
store. The man then appears to try and persuade the child to walk off
with him (second right). But the unnamed mother turns around (right) and
challenges the man, who then seems to apologize and walk off.
Police
are now appealing for witnesses to this shocking incident - which took
place on Thursday morning. Continue...
Shocking CCTV footage of a man appearing to try and lead a toddler away
in a busy shopping centre has emerged. In this frame, the boy (circled)
can be seen walking away from his mother (right)
The mother walks in front of the boy and a man (pictured in the far right of this frame) approaches the child
The man approaches the child (left) before appearing to talk the boy and attempting to lead him away (right)
The man, described as white and aged about 60, appears to speak with the child before taking his hand
The man holds the boy's hand and appears to walk away with the child in the opposite direction
Perhaps sensing what is happening behind her, the mother turns (left)
and sees the man walking off with her 22-month-old boy (right)
The mother walks up to the man (left) - who then seems to apologise to her and walk away (right)
Police are now questioning a man following the incident - which took place on Thursday morning
Detective Chief Inspector Nick Lamb,
of Derbys Police, said:
'This was a very isolated and extremely unusual
incident and we are very keen to speak to the person shown in the
images. Although we do not
know the intentions of the man involved, I would urge parents or those
with young children to always be mindful of their safety, especially in
crowded places.'
Anyone who recognises the man is asked to contact Derbyshire Police.
