Attempted abduction reports in Carshalton investigated by police

Worried parents at Muschamp Primary School had sent text messages to each other after rumours of an attempted abduction were rife. Initially schools had sent out a message to parents about the incident, which was soon circulated among friends.

The mother-of-four has spoken of her panic after seeing her young son being approached by two men in a black car.

Kirsty Shaw was walking away from Muschamp Primary School on Tuesday (October 11) with her daughter, and two sons. As Miss Shaw bent down to attend to one of her sons, she noticed a black car mount the curb and approach her three-year-old son Ryan, who had fallen 10 yards behind.

Miss Shaw said: "I saw one of the men in the car lean as if to open his door. I thought he was going to grab my son so I quickly grabbed him. As soon as I did, the car sped off."

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Chambers, said: "We understand that there is concern amongst parents about a report sent out on the SchoolSafe messaging system on Monday (10th Oct) about a man trying to ‘abduct’ a child that day.

"We have made enquiries and there is no evidence to support an allegation of a crime being committed at this time. However, we want parents and schools to contact police immediately on 999 if they see anyone behaving suspiciously near children. If parents and schools have any information about incidents they should report them to Sutton Police station on 101."

Police are keen for schools to check out any rumours with them before any messages are sent out to parents regarding crime. Police have made more officers available at the end of the school day outside schools in the area as part of the on-going engagement with schools and parents.

DCI Chambers said: "We take all such reports seriously and allegations will be investigated thoroughly. As part of any investigation, schools and parents would be informed if any such allegations were received."