COPS are hunting a man who tried to snatch an 11-year-old girl while she was with her younger sister, four, in Sheffield. The girls were walking together when the fiend, who carrying a doll in his coat like a baby in a carrier, grabbed the older one around the waist. She screamed and managed to […]
COPS are hunting a man who tried to snatch an 11-year-old girl while she was with her younger sister, four, in Sheffield.
The girls were walking together when the fiend, who carrying a doll in his coat like a baby in a carrier, grabbed the older one around the waist.
She screamed and managed to break free – with both sisters escaping his clutches unharmed.
Police have now launched an investigation to find the man following the horror at around 6.30pm yesterday.
He has been described as pale skinned, mid to late 30s, 5ft 6ins tall and wearing a dark, oversized coat.
Cops say he is believed to have been carrying a “lifelike doll” wearing a pink knitted hat inside his jacket.
They have released CCTV images of a man they wish to speak to and are appealing for information.
Officers are also asking parents and children to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.
T/DCI Jamie Henderson, from South Yorkshire Police, said: “This was obviously a very disturbing incident involving two young girls and we are making extensive enquiries to trace the man involved.
“We understand incidents like this are a cause for concern for the local community.
“I’d like to assure residents that we’re increasing patrols and liaising with local schools to make sure people feel safe.
“The children involved in this incident are now safe and well, and both they and their family are being supported by our officers.”
Anyone with information has been asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 755 of 13 February or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
