Police seek witnesses after incident involving toddler in Bishop’s Stortford park
Man approached and carried one-year-old boy in Grange Paddocks Park
Police are looking for witnesses after an alarming incident involving a one-year-old boy in Grange Paddocks Park, Bishop’s Stortford.
The event took place between 3 pm and 3:10 pm on Tuesday, 5th May.
While walking with his mother along the River Stort, the boy was picked up by a man in dark clothing, who then carried him towards the play area despite the mother's protests.
The man engaged with the child by placing him on a swing and kissed him before the mother could retrieve her son.
Detective Constable Elaine Adams emphasised the distressing nature of the incident and urged anyone who saw it, or the man, to come forward.
The individual in question is described as approximately 5ft 3ins tall, slim, with tanned skin, wearing dark clothing.
A thorough investigation is underway, including local inquiries and CCTV review, alongside increased patrols for community reassurance.
Witnesses, especially a woman observed walking a small dog, are encouraged to contact the police.
Those who saw the man matching this description in the area between 3 pm and 3:15 pm on Tuesday should reach out to law enforcement.