Police confirm attempted abduction of eight-year-old girl in Shaw

Woman grabbed girl from her bike and tried to force her into a car

THAMES Valley Police has confirmed there was an attempted abduction of an eight-year-old girl in Shaw yesterday.

The victim was riding her bicycle in Owen Road at about 5pm on Tuesday.

A vehicle, driven by a woman, then pulled up beside her.

The offender got out of the vehicle, grabbed the victim by her arm and told her to get in the car.

The victim managed to break free from the offender and fled the scene on her bicycle.

The offender is a woman in her forties or fifties, of medium build with blonde/mousey/brown shoulder length hair. She was wearing a white knitted jumper and skinny light blue jeans.

The offender was driving a black, four door vehicle, which was small to medium in size, with blacked out windows.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Jonathan Groenen of Force CID based at Newbury Police Station, said: “This was a frightening experience for the victim, who has understandably been left shaken by the incident.

“I would appeal to anyone who recognises the detailed description of the offender and, or her vehicle to contact police immediately.

“Further, if you saw or heard anything unusual in the vicinity of Owen Road yesterday afternoon or early evening please call us on 101. Alternatively, you can visit your nearest police station.

“If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

“Incidents such as these are extremely rare events and I would like to reassure the community that we are conducting a thorough investigation to find out what happened.

“We will also be conducting extra patrols in the area so if anyone has any concerns please speak to one of our officers.”