Detectives in north London are investigating a series of abduction attempts on schoolgirls by a man posing as a police officer.
Four schoolgirls aged between 11 and 14 were approached by the man, who was not wearing a uniform but tried to convince them he was a police officer, , according to Scotland Yard.
All were approached in Hornsey this week before the start of the school day, between 7.50am and 9am. Three were approached on Monday and one on Tuesday. None of the girls were injured and the police have spoken to all of them.
Children in the area are being warned to get away as quickly as possible if they are approached by someone with no identification who claims to be a police officer. Local schools have been informed and police are carrying out reassurance patrols.
The man is described as black, between 20 and 30 years old and of medium build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a jacket with the hood up.
Police said they were treating the allegations as attempted abductions. CI Jude Beehag-Fisher, from Haringey police, said: “It would be unusual for police officers in plain clothes not to identify themselves by showing a warrant card, and members of the public are entitled to ask to see one.
“Any child approached by someone in the street, in similar circumstances to these incidents, who are not shown any identification that the person is a police officer, should get away from them as quickly as possible. They should shout for help and make sure they tell a parent, teacher or other person in authority as soon as possible. In an emergency always dial 999.”
Haringey council said: “Incidents of this nature are rare in Haringey, though we fully understand the concern this has caused for parents. Pupil safeguarding is a priority for the council and for all local schools and there is a clear focus on ensuring all pupils are aware of ‘stranger danger’. We are, of course, supporting the police in their investigation.”
