A man has been arrested on suspicion of fabricating a child abduction report that sparked a major police operation and national media coverage.
Surrey police received a report on Thursday that a boy, aged about six or seven and wearing a red T-shirt and navy jeans, was taken into the side of a black Volkswagen Transporter van in Redhill. The force initially described the witness account as “credible”.
But detectives have arrested the witness, a 26-year-old from Redhill, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice after carrying out an extensive investigation and finding no evidence to corroborate the account.
Police officers reviewed hours of CCTV, conducted house to house inquiries, interviewed commuters at a railway station near the alleged abduction, checked potential vehicles matching the description and searched databases of missing children, the force said.
Det Supt Pete Fulton said: “The risk to life and safeguarding children are our first priorities when presented with a report like this, which is why we took the course of action we did. Time was of the essence, which is why we asked for help from the public and media to find out what happened as soon as we could.
“Reports of this nature are extremely rare and we are sure the public understand that when information such as this is received we treat it extremely seriously and must do all we can to find out investigate what’s happened.
“It is understandable this has caused a considerable amount of concern and confusion in the area which will last beyond just these few days.
“We will continue to work with the community and realise that this has been disruptive and had a large impact. However, I hope that you are reassured that we take your safety extremely seriously.
“The witness has been re-interviewed at length about their account and at this stage and as a result of our inquiries no further information has come to light to corroborate the report.
“There has been no report of any missing child in connection with the case and we have carried out extensive inquiries.”
The suspect was released on bail.
