Child Attack Rumours In Worcester Are Untrue, Say Police

West Mercia Police is reassuring parents in Worcester that rumours of a number of attempts to abduct children in the city are untrue.

There was a single confirmed incident near Dines Green School on Monday 16 January of a man trying to grab a girl from the school as she walked home, after which a man was arrested and remains on police bail while the incident is investigated.

However, since then there have been rumours circulating among parents via text, email and social media of numerous similar incidents. These include up to four attempted abductions near Nunnery Wood School, a man in a silver car approaching children in the Rainbow Hill area and a woman being abducted in a silver car and raped.

Inspector Janet Heritage, who leads local policing in Worcester, said: "I can confirm that none of the rumours about alleged child abductions or rapes being circulated around Worcester are true.

"We had one genuine report near Dines Green School last month and on that occasion we let the public know the details as soon as we could, worked closely with the school to deal with any concerns from parents and put on extra patrols to reassure the community.

"Since then, we have not had a single confirmed report of any similar incidents.

"I am worried that parents, and children in particular, are becoming unnecessarily fearful because of these rumours. We are receiving reports of children experiencing suspicious behaviour; we investigate all calls of this nature, however we are finding that the circumstances are not as they may have feared, or are completely innocent.

"While it is important that children are educated about ‘stranger danger' and should be wary of being approached by adults they don't know, the current atmosphere in Worcester seems to be scaring local children unnecessarily and it needs to stop.

"Local policing officers will be contacting schools about the current rumours and we will be making sure this message is given to parents through official channels. 

"If any parents continue to be worried about any rumours they hear, then I urge them to contact West Mercia Police. Get in touch with your local policing team, contact us via Twitter or Facebook or you can always phone us on 101."

Issued: Wednesday 1 February 2012