Police hunt supected child snatchers

August 18 2011
Police are investigating a possible attempt to lead a boy away from his mother in Woodhouse Park..

Detectives say it is unclear whether the incident was a sick joke or a genuine attempt to snatch the child, but are taking no chances and have issued e-fit pictures of the suspects.

Shortly before 1.30pm on Saturday 15 August 2011, a 21-year-old woman was
walking on the path on Dinmor Road, Woodhouse Park, with her two-year-old
son.

Her son was walking behind her while she pushed his buggy when they walked
past two men near to St Anthony's primary school.

One of the men took hold of her son by the hand and asked him to walk with
him.

The woman heard the man, turned around and shouted so the man let go of
the boy and both men laughed and ran off towards Portway.

The man who took the boy by the hand is described as white, 5ft 7in tall, aged 30 to 35, of slim build with cropped black hair. He was wearing a lime green round-neck t-shirt, blue jeans and white trainers.

The second man was described as white, 5ft 7in tall, of stocky build with mousey brown hair that was short but slightly longer than the first man's hair. He was wearing a navy blue waterproof tracksuit-style jacket with a red strip down one arm, blue jeans and black trainers.

Detective Constable Pam Collins, based at South Manchester CID, said: "Obviously, the mother of the boy was left very upset and shaken by what
happened so we are determined to find these men.

"We do not know whether these men thought this was funny or were genuinely
trying to take this little boy but we are taking no chances and are treating it as seriously as it might have been.

"Please take a good look at this e-fit and if it reminds you of someone,
let us know. We are also appealing directly to the men to come forward: if
this was a prank, please just come forward and tell us so because it might
put this young mother's mind at rest.

"Also, if you saw something on Saturday or remember something that you
think might be relevant, please contact us."

Anyone with information is asked to call officers in south Manchester on
0161 856 6090 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on
0800 555 111.