Suspect bailed as police in north London appeal for witnesses following series of incidents during morning school run

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to take a child following reports of someone posing as a police officer and approaching schoolgirls in north London.



The 28-year-old was arrested on Wednesday by police in Haringey on suspicion of attempting to take a child. He was taken into custody but has since been bailed.

On Monday, between 7.50am and 9am, four schoolgirls aged between 11 and 14 were approached by a man across several locations in the Hornsey area. A similar incident was also reported shortly before 8am on Tuesday.

None of the girls were injured, and they and their families have all been spoken to by police. The relevant schools have also been contacted, and extra police patrols are reportedly being carried out in the area.

A sixth incident was also reported, involving a 10-year-old boy being approached shortly before 8am on Tuesday in the Crouch End area.

Police believe that the man was not wearing a police uniform but identified himself as an officer. He has been described as black, aged between 20 and 30 and of medium build, with short dark hair and was wearing a jacket with the hood up.

Haringey CID are continuing to appeal for any witnesses, or anyone with any information to come forward.

DCI Paul Trevers said: “Haringey does not see this type of offence very often and I want to reassure the community that such instances are incredibly rare.

“Notwithstanding the development of an arrest, I urge any witnesses to come forward so that my team can be sure to identify and prosecute the offender of these awful crimes.

“If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of such a crime, please contact us via 101 and be assured officers will treat you with care and sensitivity and we will do all we can to support you.”

Anyone with information about the incidents can call police in Haringey via 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org.