Home Local News Skelmersdale Police share information about their investigation into incident in Banksbarn

Skelmersdale Police share information about their investigation into incident in Banksbarn

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Further to an alleged report of a man grabbing a child by the arm on Banksbarn, we would like to provide the following information for some understanding about our investigation.

Child abduction cases are treated as ‘urgent’ by Lancashire Police and receive a gold-standard response in terms of priority and resources. All officers are instantly made aware and enquires are carried out behind the scenes.

An initial call was made to the neighbourhood police office reporting the alleged offence, with a vehicle also mentioned. CCTV cameras were immediately monitored and enquiries carried out to identify any vehicles and further investigative opportunities.

All witnesses were spoken to by trained officers and extensive door-to-door enquiries conducted in the area. All relevant CCTV was comprehensively reviewed and numerous vehicles identified and located.

Following an extensive investigation detectives are now satisfied no offence has taken place. No person has been identified by officers and we are not looking for an offender – or vehicle – in relation to this incident.

The report was made in good faith by parents who did as any other would in the situation they were presented with. All aspects of the report have been looked into and there is no indication a crime has been committed.

While social media can at times be a useful tool, users are reminded not to take all information reported online as fact.

Det Con Paul Price, of Skelmersdale CID said: “As a public service we are often placed in difficult situations where a balance must be struck between confidentiality and public confidence.

“Child abduction is an emotive subject which we accept is a concern for all parents. In this instance these concerns have been heightened with the impending summer holidays. It is for this reason we wish to clarify that there has been no abduction or assault of a child in Digmoor.

“We want children and teenagers to enjoy their summer holidays and would urge parents to let their children play out as normal.

“Regarding the earlier report in Birch Green, this is not being treated as an attempted abduction, rather a report of suspicious circumstances. Again, in light of the recent reports we fully understand and support any reports made to us.

“We want to work with you to make the streets of Skelmersdale safe for our children and urge people to be vigilant to help us reduce crime.

“Please ensure that emergencies are reported using our 999 number to our control room to avoid delay in dispatching officers. Non-emergency incidents should be reported using 101.

“We hope this offers reassurance to you regarding your children’s safety and police confidence. Thank you.”

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