Hunt for ‘wannabe kidnapper’ after girl ‘grabbed and threatened’ whereas out on an early morning stroll

A police hunt is underway after an attempted kidnapping of a woman who was ‘grabbed and threatened’ while out on an early morning walk.

The woman was walking along Central Park Way, Wigan, when she was targeted by a man who attempted to force her to come with him.

She managed to free herself from the man and flee the area following the incident on January 9 between 6.05am and 6.20am.

The suspect, who then left the scene, is described as a white man, approximately 6ft 1in and wearing grey joggers, black trainers, a yellow hi-vis vest and a black beanie hat. 

Detective Sergeant Andrew Partington, of Greater Manchester Police‘s Wigan CID said: ‘Whilst we understand incidents of this nature are concerning, I want to reassure our communities that we take reports of this nature very seriously and the safety of the public is our top priority.

‘Our officers are taking every measure and following multiple lines of enquiry to investigate the circumstances of this incident.

‘We have extra patrols in place around the area and if you have any concerns, our officers are always more than happy to support.’

The woman was walking along Central Park Way, Wigan, (pictured) when she was targeted by a man who attempted to force her to come with him

Greater Manchester Police is also urging anyone with information to come forward.

A police statement said: ‘This includes anyone who may have CCTV/dashcam footage, witnessed the incident itself, or can help us identify the man involved.

‘If you have any information, please contact 0161 856 7094 quoting log 472 of 09/01/26.

‘Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.’