A man has been arrested after the ‘attempted kidnap’ of a child in Chippenham.
It follows two concerning incidents in the town, which relate to possible abduction attempts on Wednesday 29 January and Thursday 30 January.
Officers have since arrested a 52-year-old local man in connection with the second occurrence, which involved a 14-year-old girl in Union Road, near the railway station.
The suspect is being held in custody on suspicion of attempted kidnap.
An investigation is ongoing into the first reported incident in Woodlands Road, where a 12-year-old boy was approached by a man he didn’t know.
Wiltshire Police said there is no information to suggest that the incidents are linked.
Detective Inspector Penny Andrews said: “We appreciate the significant community impact that these two incidents have had, and we have taken them both incredibly seriously since they were reported.
“I would like to reiterate, however, that they are not thought to be linked.
“A man has now been arrested in connection with the incident in Union Road and will now be questioned.
“Extra patrols continue to be carried out in the area and we remain in close contact with local schools to provide reassurance.
“We are also aware that a photo of a man has been circulating on social media, particularly on Snapchat among schoolchildren, as a supposed suspect.
“This man is not linked to either offence and the photo appears to have been taken from social media. I would ask the public to refrain from speculation about the incidents.
“If you have witnessed either incident or have any information, please report it on 101.”
