A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap after two young girls were reportedly grabbed by the wrists in a North Yorkshire village. The incident occurred on Allendale Road in Ormesby at around 3:45pm on Monday, July 13.
Details of the incident
The victims, aged five and six, were walking when a man approached them and attempted to grab them by the wrist. According to a Cleveland Police spokesperson, “When they refused, the man tried to entice them, and they managed to run away.” The children were unharmed but understandably distressed.
Arrest and police response
Cleveland Police confirmed that a 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap and remains in custody as of Wednesday, July 15. Acting Sergeant Donnelly of the Greater Eston Neighbourhood Team stated before the arrest, “This incident will understandably have caused some concern for our communities. We have carried out a number of enquiries already, including speaking with the victims, the local school, CCTV enquiries and having officers speak to people in the local area.”
Following the arrest, a police spokesperson thanked the public for sharing the appeal: “Following our appeal for information in relation to the incident in Ormesby on Monday, we can confirm a 38-year-old man has been arrested. Many thanks to everyone who shared our appeal for information.”
Community impact and safety measures
Police previously described the suspect as a white male of slim build, dressed in black or dark clothing, wearing one shoe and carrying a silver suitcase. The force acknowledged that the incident likely caused concern in the community and said a uniformed presence would be visible as a result. Acting Sergeant Donnelly added, “We have a high visibility, uniformed presence in the area [on Tuesday].”
