On the afternoon of Saturday 29 June 2013, a three-year-old girl was playing in the garden of her home on Cedar Close with her eight-year-old brother, when it is alleged that a unknown man grabbed her arm over the fence.
It is believed that another man, who was stood outside a house in the road, saw the incident and called out which resulted in the suspect driving off in a small black car.
Despite house-to-house enquiries and appeals through the media, social media and the Ringmaster messaging system, the potential witness has so far not made contact with the police. Officers are urging this man to come forward to help the investigation.
It is also understood that two local girls may also have seen what happened. Again, police have appealed for the girls to come forward, but to date they have not.
A number of rumours have been posted on social networking sites claiming attempted abductions have been taking place in other areas including Harrogate and Boroughbridge areas.
North Yorkshire Police have not received any reports of this nature in those areas. However, we urge any parents and guardians to contact the police if their child has been subjected to any suspicious incident.
While we understand the natural concern and alarm that this type of incident generates, we advise people to be responsible and refrain from posting comments online that are based on speculation or rumour
As part of extensive enquiries into the incident, officers have visited local schools to raise awareness and offer guidance about ‘stranger danger’.
High-visibility patrols outside schools in the area have also been carried out to provide further reassurance.
Officers are urging the potential witnesses – the man and the two girls – to come forward as soon as possible as they could have vital information about the incident.
Anyone with information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 – and ask for PC Ian Grange or Ripon police.
Alternatively, information can be emailed to ian.grange@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk
If you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111.
Please quote reference number 12130108439 when passing information about this incident.
