News you can trust since 1877
BREAKING

Elderly man who tried to snatch child away from family arrested in Coral bookmakers in Commercial Road, Portsmouth

Police have arrested a man after someone tried to snatch a child away from their parents.
By Freddie Webb
Published 18th Nov 2023, 14:26 GMT
Updated 18th Nov 2023, 14:26 GMT
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Officers rushed to the scene in Commercial Road at 11.56am this morning. One eyewitness said the male was handcuffed and put in the back of a police transit vehicle. Three other police vehicles were spotted in the area.

NOW READ: Man arrested on suspicion of supplying crack and heroin

A Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary spokesman said: “It was reported that a man approached a family in suspicious circumstances before grabbing hold of one of their children. The man was challenged by the parents before leaving the area.

A man was arrested on November 18 in Commercial Road after a child was grabbed and forced away from their parents. The arrest was made at Coral in Edinburgh Road. Picture: The News Portsmouth.A man was arrested on November 18 in Commercial Road after a child was grabbed and forced away from their parents. The arrest was made at Coral in Edinburgh Road. Picture: The News Portsmouth.
A man was arrested on November 18 in Commercial Road after a child was grabbed and forced away from their parents. The arrest was made at Coral in Edinburgh Road. Picture: The News Portsmouth.
Most Popular
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"The child was uninjured.” Attending officers made the arrest inside the Coral bookmakers in Edinburgh Road. “The 72-year-old was arrested on suspicion of taking a child so as to remove them from a person having lawful control,” police added.

“He remains in custody at this time.” Anyone with who wishes to report a crime can contact police on 101 or online.