A school has issued a warning to parents over a suspected abduction attempt.
It’s claimed a girl, aged 4 or 5, was approached by a woman at Tesco Express in Brook Road, Trowbridge, shortly after 3pm on Tuesday (11 June).
According to the victim’s mother, who was close by when the incident happened, the woman approached the youngster and started talking to her.
The girl’s mother said she initially believed the woman was being a “Good Samaritan”, trying to help because the child was “kicking off” – but the encounter “all got a bit weird”.
It’s alleged the woman – described as speaking with a Romanian or Polish accent – told the child she was beautiful and asked her to come home with her.
The mother said she informed nearby Walwayne Court School and the police. Although Wiltshire Police said they were unable to find the report on their system.
In a statement, school head Sharon Turley told parents: “We have been made aware of an incident that happened after school yesterday (Tuesday) at Tesco Express on Brook Road, where one of our Reception children was approached by a stranger who asked them if they wanted to go home with her.
“Luckily, the child’s parent was nearby and was able to quickly step in.
“The parent has described the person who approached her as a female, who was around 5′ 7 and had short, platinum blond hair cut in a pixie style. She possibly had a Romanian or Polish accent.
“Whilst we don’t want to scaremonger, we think it is important that we inform you so you can be extra vigilant.
“If your child is in Years 5 or 6 and walks to or from school alone, please make sure you remind them about stranger danger and what to do if an unknown adult approaches them.”
Anyone with information relating to this incident should contact Wiltshire Police by calling 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
