Child seriously hurt after stranger tries to snatch them from mum in the street
A child was seriously hurt after a stranger tried to abduct them in the street, police have said.
An investigation has been launched following the terrifying incident on Mayor Street in Bolton, Greater Manchester, at 6.30pm yesterday.
The child was walking with their mum when an unknown man approached them, snatched the youngster and tried to run away.
Members of the public in the area helped catch the man before police officers arrived at the scene.
A 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remains in police custody for questions.
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The child received serious injuries in the incident but these are not life-threatening, Greater Manchester Police said.
Following the distressing incident, the child's mother was left "very shaken" and is now receiving support from specialist officers, the police force added.
GMP described the incident as "isolated" but said officers are stepping up patrols in the area over the next few days to make other residents feel safe.
The police are now calling for witnesses to come forward to help them with their investigation.
In particular, officers are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage to provide it to assist them.
Detective Inspector Tony Lunt of GMP Bolton CID said: "I'd like to thank the quick work and bravery of members of the public who assisted in detaining a man who was arrested by officers.
"He has been taken into police custody where he will be questioned. This was an incredibly distressing incident during which a child received serious injuries.
"Although these are thankfully not life-threatening, the mother of the child was understandably very shaken by the incident and is receiving support from specialist officers at this time. I understand the concerns it will raise in the community but I would like to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community.
"You will see increased patrols in the local area throughout the next few days so please approach our officers with any questions or concerns you may have. Whilst we have a man in custody, I want to assure you that our investigation does not stop here and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch with us.
"We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Mayor Street in Bolton between 6:20pm and 6:40pm and who may have seen someone behaving suspiciously. We're also interested in any footage - including CCTV or dashcam - that you might have in relation to this incident.
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"You can get in touch by calling police on 0161 85 65757 quoting 2896 of 21/02/2023. You can also make a report via the Live Chat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
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