Boy kidnap scares in Bristol & Gloucestershire

Kidnap scare at Bristol school as woman attempts to abduct boy, 8

Saturday, March 13, 2010

A woman attempted to abduct an eight-year-old boy from a Bristol primary school, it was revealed.

The Year 5 boy was waiting in the playground of Westbury Park Primary School in Bayswater Avenue at home time.

The Bristol Evening Post understands the stranger asked the child to go home with her, but the boy, who didn't recognise her refused.

One mum, who wished not to be named, told the Post: "A Year 5 boy was waiting in the playground, and was one of the last to be waiting.

"An unknown woman sidled up to a parent and was asking about the boy: 'Ah, poor him. How rotten being last. Who should be collecting him?'

The parent said that primary schools are now implementing new 'safeguarding children' measures.

Bristol City Council spokeswoman Katharine de Lisle said: "At Westbury Park we take the safety and security of our children extremely seriously.

"We can confirm that on Monday, an unknown person asked a child to come home with them after school from the playground.

"The child refused to go with the woman concerned."

Better security arrangements are now being implemented at all of Bristol's primary schools to ensure this doesn't happen again.

She added: "As a result of this incident, we have reviewed the balance that all schools have to make between safeguarding children and being welcoming and accessible to parents. This includes reviewing security arrangements. In the meantime, all the teachers have talked to children in their class about stranger danger."

Avon and Somerset police spokeswoman Sian Davies said: "We received reports of a woman acting suspiciously outside Westbury Park Primary School. We believe that the woman attempted to talk to the children who were in the school. The children did not engage with her.

"Police have praised the children for doing the right thing in not speaking to the woman. We would encourage parents to reiterate to their children not to talk to people they don't know."

The woman is described as being of medium height, with fair but not blonde hair that did not cover her face. She was student aged and wearing a black coat.

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Kidnap-scare-Bristol-school-woman-attempts-abduct-boy-8/article-1909908-detail/article.html

It sounds like this was more down to what the parents had drummed into him than any safety measures implemented by the school. Glad he's safe and hope the woman gets caught before she picks on some other child who's not as savvy.

Bid to abduct boy, nine

Wednesday, March 17, 2010, 07:00

Appeal for information following abduction attempt (Pucklechurch)

ADDED: 16/03/2010 15:27

Police in South Gloucestershire are appealing for information following reports of an attempted abduction in the Pucklechurch area.

At around 1.30pm on Sunday, March 14, a 9-year-old boy was walking close to his home on Shortwood Road when its alleged that he was approached by a couple in a black car. It is believed that the man got out of the car and made a movement towards the boy, who then ran home. The vehicle is believed to have then driven off in the direction of Siston.

The man is described as a white, of stocky build, approximately 5ft 11inches tall and aged approximately 36 years old. He was thought to have short light brown hair, was clean shaven, and was believed to be wearing a light coloured t-shirt and dark jeans. The woman was described as white, aged 29-30, with long straight black hair.

Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or may have information that could help police with their enquiries should contact Staple Hill CID on 0845 456 7000. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org. They will never ask your name or trace your call.

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/homepage/Bid-abduct-boy/article-1918516-detail/article.html

http://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/LocalPages/NewsDetails.aspx?nsid=19770&t=1&lid=2

Thank God these lads had the the good sence to say no.What is wrong with these people!!are our kids not even safe in the school playgrounds.This is what is making us as parents alot more protective of our children.When i was a kid we walked miles to school and back,and at weekends, took our jam samies and went out exploring for the day lol.How life has changed.I drop my daughter to the classroom door and pick her up from it.