A man has been arrested for allegedly trying to kidnap a six-year-old girl at a Christmas fair.

The man is suspected of trying to grab the young girl in Egham, Surrey, at around 12.40pm on Saturday, after trying to lure her with toys and sweets.

Surrey Police said a 47-year-old man from Egham is currently in custody.

They released an additional statement to reassure parents that the child was not physically harmed during the incident.

Police added: "While the man is unknown to the child, the child did not leave the immediate vicinity of their parent; and although understandably scared, the child was not physically harmed during the incident.


"Officers were on the scene within minutes of it being reported and promptly arrested the man. Incidents of this type are very rare and we would ask for the public to allow us to carry out our work and investigate fully, rather than jumping to conclusions."

An investigation has been launched and police have called for anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any other information, to come forward.

Officers are looking for parents who are concerned their child may also have been approached, particularly if their suspicions are now raised after this report.

The suspect was wearing a grey cap, black jacket, jeans, trainers and glasses and was carrying a black rucksack.

He was described as white, about 50 years, about 5ft 9in tall and of a slight build.

Anyone who can help should call 101, quoting crime reference number PR/45180130630.

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.