Appeal for information following reports of attempted abduction in Chadderton

On Saturday 29 July 2023, police received a report of an attempted abduction around an alley in Rose Street, close to the South Chadderton tram stop, between 9 and 10pm.

A woman was walking with her child when she was approached by an unknown male, who grabbed her child, before letting go and running off. The child suffered minor injuries.

Following the incident, the mother also reported that a similar incident occurred in the area earlier in July.

Officers are now hoping to speak to a man who is described as Asian, of medium build, with dark clothing and dark shoes. He had a Nike tick on his jumper and was wearing a balaclava, with the bottom part of his face on show.

Neighbourhood officers have stepped up patrols in the area following the incident, with beat officers and PCSO’s monitoring the area closely.

Detective Sergeant Scott Deakin, from GMP’s Oldham district, said: “This was an incredibly distressing incident for the mother and her child, and we are determined to bring about justice for them.

“I want to reassure the public that we are looking at all of the evidence available to us, and we are putting all the necessary resources into the investigation. We remain in contact with the mother to share updates when we receive them.

“We are asking for anyone with any information – or doorbell, dashcam, or CCTV footage – to please come forward. We are interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Rose Street and the South Chadderton tram stop between 9 and 10pm on the day.

“You can get in touch with police by calling 101 or 0161 856 8999, quoting log number 4018 of 29/07/23.”

You can also report information at www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.