Police Warn Residents Against Online Speculation After Southport Arrest

Police arrested a man following an allegation of suspicious behaviour in Southporton Monday afternoon (20 October).

Just after 3.35pm, officers were called to Cambridge Road where it was reported a man had approached a bus stop where a woman and her daughter were waiting.

It was reported that the woman pulled her child towards her in response to his approach. Patrols attended and a man was detained a short time later.

A 34-year-old man who lives in Southport has been arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap. He has since been bailed.

Officers have spoken to witnesses and explored CCTV opportunities in the area, and conducted forensic examinations in order to establish the full circumstances.

We are aware there is discussion about this incident online and we would urge people not to speculate on the details of what happened.

Detective Inspector Samantha Davies said: “I want to reassure the local community that we are conducting extensive enquiries and speaking to both parties to understand exactly what happened.

“At this stage we don’t believe the man spoke to the woman or child as he approached. There is no confirmation from any witnesses that any physical contact was made, or that there is any risk to the community.”

Anyone who witnessed anything or who might have been passing at the time and captured dashcam footage is asked to contact us Merseyside Police Contact Centre or call 101, referencing number 25000862787.