Family's terror as men try to bundle schoolboy, 11, into car as he walked home
A schoolboy who said he was stopped by two "suspicious" men as he was walking home has been left "shaken" after they allegedly tried to "snatch" him and put him in their car.
The boy, aged 11, was making his way back from the shop when the "attempted snatching" is said to have taken place on Aylesbury Road, Bentilee, Staffordshire on Monday.
His sister Gracie-Mae Cobby, 18, described the incident as "upsetting" and said the abduction attempt has made her brother too scared to go outside by himself
Staffordshire Police have launched an investigation into the alarming claims and are urging any witnesses to step forward. The incident is said to have taken place between 8pm to 8.20pm.
Speaking about the ordeal, Gracie-Mae said: "Two men tried to grab him and put him in their car. It was seen driving in circles from 8pm to 9.45pm. It was driving around on Wednesday night (September 20) too. People have messaged me saying they have seen it." She further added: "They shouted to him 'Come over here mate' and tried to put him in their car. He managed to leg it. He was able to sprint away. Even if they hadn't grabbed him it's upsetting because of how young he is."
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Despite searching the area that evening, officers say neither the suspects or the vehicle could be located. An investigation is ongoing, reports StokeonTrentLive. A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are investigating a suspicious incident which happened in Stoke-on-Trent on Monday. A boy, aged 11, reported a suspicious man who was sitting in a vehicle at about 7.50pm on Aylesbury Road, Bentilee.
"The boy was not harmed and made his way home to safety. We carried out an area search once the incident was reported to us but were not able to find the vehicle. We’ve been speaking to the boy today to establish more about what happened and to help us progress enquiries which are currently ongoing. We understand there is speculation circulating locally about this incident. We are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry and are keen to speak to anyone with any information as part of our investigation." Witnesses should call 101, quoting incident 636 of September 18. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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