Police have investigated reports of a man trying to abduct a girl as she was walking home from school. The man was arrested and released without charge.
Reports suggested a 36-year-old man spoke to a child before touching her arm. The girl attends Orchard Community Primary School, in Grange Drive, Castle Donington.
Derbyshire Live reports Leicestershire Police have said the incident did not occur as had initially been described, following an investigation. They add that these incorrect accounts have been widely circulated online.
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A police spokesperson said: “Officers received a report on Thursday last week (15 September) that a schoolgirl was approached by a man unknown to her as she made her way home in Castle Donington.
“It was reported the man spoke to the girl and she was touched on her arm. Information about this report has also been circulated online. Following a thorough investigation carried out in relation to this report, the incident was found to be not as reported.
“As part of our inquiries, a 36-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released with no further action. The local school is aware of the report and advised to reiterate stranger danger advice to their students.”
A letter to parents from the school outlined its response to the reports, including holding “Stranger Danger” assemblies reminding those who attend the school of what to do if they are approached by someone they do not know.
The letter said: “I am writing to alert you about an attempted abduction of a child from Orchard Primary School on Thursday 15th September 2022 in the local area at around 3.45pm. Due to the alarm and distress it may cause, we will not be discussing this specific incident with pupils in school - we are leaving this decision to parents/carers.
“Please reinforce important messages regarding personal safety with your children at home. We have also informed other local primary schools of the incident.”
A spokesperson from the school told Derbyshire Live on Thursday, September 22: “Due to an open police investigation, the school is unable to comment.”
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