In a quiet residential neighbourhood, a routine afternoon turned into a scene of terror when a 72-year-old man attempted to snatch two young children from their front garden. The entire chilling incident was captured on CCTV, providing crucial evidence for police.
The Moment of Terror
The footage shows the elderly man, identified as David Whelan, approaching the children aged just four and six as they played innocently outside their home. In a move that has left the community reeling, he suddenly grabbed the younger child and began dragging them away from the property.
Heroic Neighbour Intervention
Quick-thinking neighbours witnessed the unfolding horror and immediately sprang into action. Their brave intervention forced the pensioner to release the terrified child, preventing what could have been an unimaginable tragedy. The children were physically unharmed but left severely traumatised by the experience.
Police Response and Arrest
West Yorkshire Police responded rapidly to emergency calls, arresting Whelan at the scene. Detective Inspector James Harrison described the incident as "every parent's worst nightmare" and praised the community's swift action. "The courage shown by neighbours in challenging this individual undoubtedly prevented a more serious outcome," he stated.
Community in Shock
Residents of the typically peaceful neighbourhood expressed their disbelief that such an incident could occur in their community. Local mother Sarah Thompson told reporters: "We always felt safe here until today. To think someone would try to take children in broad daylight is absolutely terrifying."
Ongoing Investigation
Police have confirmed they are treating this as an attempted kidnapping and are conducting a thorough investigation. Officers are reviewing additional CCTV footage from the area and conducting house-to-house enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Whelan remains in custody while investigations continue, with police urging any witnesses who haven't yet come forward to contact them immediately.
