Police Issue Sketch Of Chirk Attempted Child Abduction Suspect

Police have issued this artists impression of a man they wish to trace in connection with two suspicious incidents involving schoolchildren in the Chirk and Oswestry areas.

We reported on a warning that was issued after the incident by Weston Rhyn near Chirk.

The first incident took place on Wednesday 12 October when a 11 year-old boy was walking home after getting off a school bus at around 3.55pm, when a man in a black car, believed to be a Renault Clio, called out and falsely claimed that he had been asked to pick him up by the boy’s mother. The boy ran home, with the car seen to drive off in the direction of Trehowell Lane.

The man is described as white, aged in his late 20s with short, straight brown hair and spoke with a strong Liverpudlian accent. He is also described as being of thin build.

The second incident occurred at 7.50am on Tuesday 18 October when a 13 year-old girl was walking on Longueville Drive Oswestry. As she approached the junction of Aston Way, a small black van pulled up next to her and the driver told her to get into the van. The girl ran away from the scene. The man did not leave the vehicle and the girl was not injured or physically touched in any way.

The sketch is of the driver, who is described a white man in his 20s of a medium build, with dark brown hair and slight stubble. He was described as having a slight Liverpool accent and was thought to be the only person in the vehicle.

The vehicle is described as a black van with blacked out rear windows and black tape or a bag covering the registration plates.

Detective Inspector Mark Jones from Shrewsbury CID who is leading the investigation said: “We understand that these are concerning incidents for the community and we are working hard to investigate and understand the full circumstances.

“A number of lines of enquiry are still being followed and I am keen to hear from anyone who feels that they may recognise the person from the artist’s impression and from the descriptions provided by the witnesses.”

If you have any information that may help police with their enquiries please call 101, ask for West Mercia Police and quote incident number 481s of 12 October or 308s of 15 October.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org

The warning issued by Wrexham Council’s Head of Education reads: “It has come to my attention that there have been at least two incidences of potential child abduction near schools in the Weston Rhyn and Oswestry areas during the past few days. Both incidents have occurred around school opening and closure times and involved a black van.

“Schools and parents are advised to be extra vigilant when taking or collecting children to and from school.”

“Please can we ask all parents to make sure wherever possible children are escorted to school. We will not release any child if we are unsure of who is collecting them. Any requests for children walking home or to school should be in writing. Thank you for your support.”