Shopkeeper describes moment woman saved girl, 11, from abduction attempt on London high street

Police released images of two men they are seeking over attempted abduction on West Wickham High Street
Police are seeking these two men in connection with the incident
Met Police
Josh Salisbury31 August 2023
WEST END FINAL

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A heroic woman stopped an eleven-year-old girl from being abducted on a southeast London high street after noticing she looked worried.

The girl was approached by an unknown man outside a newsagents in West Wickham High Street on June 24, who tried to convince her to leave with him.

CCTV obtained by the Mail Online appears to show the moment a Good Samaritan walks into a neighbouring Mind shop before realising something is amiss.

The shopper emerged back out of the shop to tell the man to go away, before ushering the girl to come into the shop and raising the alarm about the attempted abduction.

Owner of the newsagents, Maunil Patel, 35, told the publication that the girl had bought sweets when the man waiting outside began to follow her.

“He followed her slightly and asked her something which made her turn round. He’d apparently asked her if she was alone and if she needed any help,” he said.

“At this point a woman in a long turquoise dress walked into the charity shop but glanced towards them as she went in. She was obviously worried about what was going on.

“A few seconds later she came out the shop and challenged the man. I heard her say to him that she was going to call the police and she asked the girl to come with her.”

Police on Wednesday said they were seeking two men over the attempted abduction, releasing images of men they want to speak to.

The CCTV images show one man wearing a long-sleeved grey top, while the other is wearing a white t-shirt.

The alarming incident comes on the back of another, separate abduction attempt in June where a man reportedly tried to encourage a child to get into his van in Greenwich, but a parent intervened in the nick of time.

Police ask that if you can name the two men pictured or have any information that could assist the investigation, call 101 or Tweet @MetCC, quoting reference CAD 3430/24Jun.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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