Sherise Blackman, who played cop Ruby Jones in Line of Duty, called police after her son was followed
(Picture: Instagram/Sherise Blackman)Detectives investigating reports of attempted child abductions have said there is “no specific risk” to children in south London.
Met Police officers said that reports, where children were alleged to have been followed home from school across Bromley, are not being linked by the force at this time.
Last week police increased their presence in the borough after calls from concerned parents.
The latest report involved the “perceived” attempted abduction of a young girl at The Glade shopping centre on Friday.
Two males were said to have been walking behind the girl in the south-east London borough when one attempted to grab her raised hand, before walking off.
The Metropolitan Police also said two boys were approached separately by a man in the south-east London borough on April 30 between 4pm and 4.30pm.
One of the boys, aged 11, was asked by a man in a black van on Whitmore Road in Beckenham if he wanted a lift. His mother Sherise Blackman, who played cop Ruby Jones in the hit BBC series Line of Duty, called police after the youngster managed to get help from people playing tennis and evade the man.
An eight-year-old was approached in the nearby wooded area of Kelsey Park just minutes later.
But police said they have found no corroborating evidence that these were attempted abductions after speaking to the children and families affected, checking CCTV, knocking on doors and speaking to witnesses and schools.
Officers are continuing with their investigations.
Superintendent Andy Brittain, from the local policing team in south London, said: “I understand the concerns of parents in light of these reports and the subsequent discussion and rumour on social media.
“We always advise parents to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of young children, however there is nothing to suggest there is a specific risk at this time.
“You will continue to see officers out and about across Bromley and I would encourage the public to speak with them about any concerns they have. I would also suggest those living in the area follow the @MPSBromley account on Twitter, which is used by officers to engage with the community.
“Any alleged abduction attempt is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated, but thankfully, child kidnappings or abductions are incredibly rare.”
