A woman approached a seven-year-old girl at West Ham Underground station and told her she wanted to ‘grab’ her before attempting to hold her hand, British Transport Police said
Detectives are probing a deeply troubling attempted abduction of a young girl at a London Underground station. The alarming incident took place at 8.30pm on Thursday (October 15) at West Ham Underground station.
A woman approached a seven-year-old girl, who was accompanied by her father, and struck up a conversation with the child. She brazenly told the youngster she wanted to “grab” her before attempting to take hold of her hand.
As the father swiftly removed his daughter from the stranger’s reach, the woman tried to convince onlookers that he was actually the one kidnapping the girl. She then fled the scene.
British Transport Police (BTP) detectives have since released CCTV images of a woman they are eager to trace, believing she could hold “vital” information crucial to their investigation.
The woman pictured is white with blonde hair and is wearing a baseball cap. She is dressed entirely in black, with a jacket featuring a distinctive inverted triangle on the shoulder, and appears to be clutching a bottle of wine, reports MyLondon.
BTP Detective Constable Chris Petty said: “We appreciate reports of this nature are concerning and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to identify the woman in question.
“We’re keen to speak to the person in the images who may have vital information that could assist our ongoing investigation. If you recognise her, please text her name to 61016 quoting reference 108 of 16 October.
“Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.