Top London school issues warning after 'two men in van tried to abduct children'

In an email to parents, principal of the school, Sarah Segrave urged parents to be 'vigilant and report any concerning situations to the police immediately'
Eaton House School
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Bill McLoughlin3 November 2023

A London prep school has issued a warning to parents following reports that two men in a van attempted to abduct children on Halloween.

According to the head of Eaton House, a private school near Clapham Common whose alumni include Eddie Redmayne and author Phillip Pullman, two men in a dark grey van allegedly targeted children on Tuesday evening.

In an email to parents on Wednesday, principal of the school, Sarah Segrave urged parents to be “vigilant and report any concerning situations to the police immediately”, The Daily Telegraph reports.

With evenings getting darker, Ms Segrave asked parents to consider whether they’re still comfortable with their children making their own way home.

The reported incident took place at around 7.30pm near Nansen Road and Forthbridge Road, near Clapham Junction.

Warnings have been shared by worried parents in Clapham via Whatsapp and Facebook.

One wrote: “My friend is worried that she will have to make arrangements to collect her children from school. Everyone is worried now.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: "We are aware of online reports relating to a suspicious incident on Tuesday, 31 October, when two men were seen in the area of Nansen Road and Forthbridge Road, Clapham, trying to offer sweets to children who were out 'trick or treating'.

"These concerns were reported to the police on the day and an officer attended the scene.

"An investigation into this matter has been launched led by South West BCU CID and enquiries are ongoing.

Chief Inspector David Lee said: "We understand that these reports must be very distressing for parents and members of the local community.

“Trick or treating should be a fun activity and the fact that children were targeted whilst they were out enjoying themselves is very concerning.

“I would like to reassure the community that we are looking into this matter and officers are working hard to find the two men concerned."

Anyone who has information should contact police on 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD8188/31Oct. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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