A four-year-old boy was abducted from a park in Sandwell while playing near a fish pond, sparking a police investigation and an urgent appeal for information from the public.
The incident happened shortly after 3pm on Thursday at Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath, off Halesowen Road, near Birmingham.
According to West Midlands Police, the child had been in the park with his mother when he suddenly disappeared. His mother was understood to have been tending to a baby at the time.
Officers said the boy was missing for several minutes before he was found in woodland close to the park. Police have now launched inquiries to establish exactly what happened and to trace the person responsible.
The case has caused concern in the local community, especially among parents and families who regularly use the popular green space.
West Midlands Police said specially trained officers are now speaking with the child and his family as part of the investigation.
In a statement, the force said: “We’re in the early stages of the investigation and specially trained officers are speaking to the boy and his family as we look to establish exactly what happened.”
Police have released a description of the person they want to identify in connection with the incident.
The suspect is described as a Black male in his late teens. He is said to be short in height, with curled hair. Police said he was clean-shaven and was wearing black clothing at the time.
Officers said they currently believe the incident was isolated, but they acknowledged the fear and concern it would cause in the area.
The force added: “We believe this is an isolated incident but we understand how concerning it is and understand the impact it will have in the area and to the local community.”
Detectives are now reviewing CCTV footage from the area as they try to track the suspect’s movements before and after the alleged abduction.
Police are also asking people who were in Haden Hill Park around the time of the incident to come forward. They are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have recorded mobile phone footage, taken photographs, or noticed anything unusual in or around the park.
The force said: “We’re particularly keen to hear from people who may have been in the park at the time and may have any mobile footage to please contact us.”
Extra police officers will be present in the area today and over the coming days to reassure residents and speak to anyone who may have information.
Members of the public who know anything that could help the investigation are being urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 3966-180626.
Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
The investigation remains ongoing.