Police in Salford ask motorists for help in identifying a man who attempted to kidnap a local schoolgirl

Detectives in Salford are appealing to drivers who were in the Monton area of Salford on Monday 21 November 2022, at approximately 6:15pm, to come forward and help with their enquiries.

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of three counts of attempted kidnap.

Greater Manchester Police responded to reports by the parents of a teenage girl on Monday 21 November 2022, who had been approached by a male at a bus stop between the two roundabouts on Monton Green, Monton.

It is believed that he made advances to the 15-year-old and tried to physically get her to go with him to his car, a dark hatchback.

GMP have had sight of CCTV footage, which has led to them to possibly linking this event to two more, which took place in other areas of Salford and involved two more teenage girls, aged 13 and 15.

The below image and video have been identified as a black Vauxhall Astra, which is a vehicle of interest. Of note, the driver’s side wing mirror cover is silver as can be seen on the video.

Detectives are now appealing for the owner of the vehicle to make contact and for the public's help in identifying anyone having a vehicle of this description as they believe they could help with their enquiries.

The first clip is from Rocky Lane, the second from Monton Road and third from Folly Lane/Birch Road junction.

Operation Wraith has been set up with dedicated Detectives investigating the offences.

Detectives are now keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage matching the following locations and times:

• Rocky Lane/Monton Green/Monton High Street on Monday 21 November 2022 between 6-7pm.
• Mossfield Road/Ackworth Road, Swinton on Monday 21 November 2022 between 8-9am.
• Liverpool Street, Salford between Fitzwarren Street and Albion Way on Wednesday 16 November 2022 between 7:45-8:20pm.

They are requesting that you email [email protected] with your name and contact number and will email you back with instructions to upload your footage.

Detective Inspector Chris Horsfield, of GMPs Salford CID, said on the latest update: “Although we have made this arrest, we are still very much looking to speak to anyone who may have information or dashcam footage, which could help us to establish the circumstances.

“We understand that the local community will be concerned but we are doing all we can to solve this investigation. I’d urge anyone who knows anything at all to please get in touch as soon as possible. In particular we are interested in the movements of a Black Vauxhall Astra 08 plate with a silver driver's wing mirror cover; the passenger side is black.

“You can contact us on 0161 856 8361 (voicemail facility), by dialling 101 or using the LiveChat function on our website www.gmp.police.uk, quoting log number 2786 of 21/11/22.”