A four-year-old boy was snatched from a park near Dudley while his mother was tending to a baby – triggering an urgent manhunt that ended with the child found in nearby woodland.
The boy disappeared at Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath, West Midlands, shortly after 3pm on Thursday. His mother had been looking after a baby while he played near a fishing pond, police confirmed.
“A four-year-old boy was abducted from a park near Dudley and later found in woodland; police hunt a teenage suspect.”
He was missing for several minutes before officers located him in a woodland area. Specially trained officers are now speaking to the boy and his family to establish what happened.
West Midlands Police have identified a teenage suspect, described as black, short in height and with curly hair. He was clean-shaven and wearing black clothing.
“We believe this is an isolated incident but we understand how concerning it is and understand the impact it will have in the area and to the local community,” a police spokesperson said.
“We are currently studying CCTV as we investigate. We are also appealing for witnesses to come forward and we’re particularly keen to hear from people who may have been in the park at the time and may have any mobile footage to please contact us.”
Extra officers remained in the area on Friday to offer reassurance, according to the BBC. The park is off Halesowen Road, a main road in a populated area of the Black Country, about eight miles from Birmingham.
Anyone with information is urged to ring police on 101 quoting log number 3966-180626, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Members of the public can also submit evidence, photos or information via an online portal.