Police have released an image of a woman they want to speak to after an alleged attempted abduction of a seven-year-old girl at West Ham station.
The girl was with her father at the station last Thursday, October 15, when she was approached by the woman. The woman reportedly told the girl she wanted to “grab” her, and then tried to hold the girl’s hand.
As the father and daughter got away from the woman, she then told bystanders that the man was kidnapping the girl. The woman fled the station before police arrived.
British Transport Police has released an image of a woman officers would like to identify.
Detective Constable Chris Petty said: “We appreciate reports of this nature are concerning and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to identify the woman in question. We’re keen to speak to the person in the images who may have vital information that could assist our ongoing investigation. If you recognise her, please text her name to 61016 quoting reference 108 of 16 October.”
Information can also be shared anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Station safety
West Ham is a major interchange serving the District, Hammersmith & City and Jubilee lines as well as the DLR, and it is busy with families at all hours. BTP says incidents of this nature are rare, but officers are asking anyone who was at the station last Thursday afternoon and saw anything unusual to come forward.
Parents travelling with children are reminded that if anyone approaches a child in a way that causes concern, they should alert station staff or call BTP by texting 61016. In an emergency, always call 999.
The investigation continues, and no arrest has been announced.
