Police presence increased in Sydenham after schoolgirl abduction attempt

Luke Jacobs Wednesday, February 6, 2013
9:29 PM

Police patrols will be stepped up in Sydenham following yesterday’s attempted abduction of a nine-year-old girl.

The youngster was on her way to school in Thorpewood Avenue at 8.30am when she was approached by a man who tried to snatch her away into a vehicle.

He is described as white, between 20 and 40 years old, of medium build and wearing a green padded coat, blue jeans and black cap

The vehicle is described as a large blue vehicle with a large scratch on the bonnet.

Chief Superintendent Russell Nyman, Lewisham Borough Commander, said: “I understand that the community will be concerned about this recent incident and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are treating this extremely seriously.

“Officers are working hard to identify the suspect wanted in connection with this attempted abduction and enquiries into this incident continue.

“We have increased engagement with primary schools in the borough.”

Officers will be more visible in the area, the Met Police have said.

Anyone with information about the incident can also contact Lewisham CID directly on 020 8284 8324 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.