A teenage girl was forced into a vehicle near a Tesco in Church Langley, Harlow, police say, and driven to Epping where she managed to escape. Essex Police are investigating the incident
A teenage girl managed to escape from a vehicle after being dragged into it by ‘men wearing tracksuits’ in Harlow.
Essex Police are investigating the incident that occurred in Harlow on Monday, August 3. The force said a teenage girl was bundled into a vehicle in Church Langley and taken to Epping, where she succeeded in fleeing the car.
She was seized in the Minton Lane car park by Tesco just after 6.50pm before managing to break free and seek assistance on Buckingham Road at the junction with Lower Swaines at 7.30pm. The girl is safe and did not suffer any serious injuries, reports Essex Live.
She is white and has blonde hair, was wearing a black top, black shorts and white socks and trainers.
The vehicle involved is believed to be a black car and the suspects are described as white men who were wearing tracksuits.
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: “The girl is safe with her family and is being supported by specialist officers. Thankfully she has not suffered any serious injuries.
“Investigating officers are appealing to anyone who saw the incident in Church Langley or Epping to contact them urgently.”
Detective Sergeant Paul Marks added: “We know this incident will be concerning to people. We understand and we are working at pace to try and identify the car and the men involved in this incident.
“If you were at either of these locations this evening please check your dashcam or CCTV.”
If you possess any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage related to this incident, then please make contact with the police.
Meanwhile, a 35-year-old man has been arrested following the death of a nine-year-old girl who was discovered seriously injured at an industrial estate in Arbroath, Scotland.
Police Scotland reported that the girl was found hurt at Elliot Industrial Estate around 12.02am on Monday. She was then rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee, where she tragically passed away. Her death is being treated as suspicious.
Detective Superintendent Nicky McGovern stated: “Around 12.02am on Monday, August 3 2026, officers were called to Elliot Industrial Estate in Arbroath after a nine-year-old girl was found with serious injuries. She was taken to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee where she later died.
“A 35-year-old man has been arrested in connection with her death, which is being treated as suspicious. Her family are being supported by specialist officers as inquiries continue.”
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