Woman and girl arrested after alleged abduction attempt of two-year-old at Redcar car boot sale

A woman and a girl were arrested after an alleged abduction attempt of a toddler in Redcar.

The alleged incident involved a two-year-old girl who was reportedly walked away by two people during a car boot sale at Redcar Racecourse, on Thrush Road.

Cleveland Police said the pair returned the girl when challenged at the event on Sunday 22 May.

Two females - a woman and a girl - were arrested following the incident and have since been released under investigation to allow the final lines of inquiry to take place.

In a statement, the force said: "Two females (one 21 and one a juvenile) are in custody following an alleged incident at a car boot sale at Redcar racecourse on Thrush Road this afternoon (Sunday 22 May).

"A woman reported that her two-year-old child was walking next to a family member when two females approached her and tried to walk away with her.

"When challenged, they reportedly released the child and were detained."

Officers investigating are appealing for information from the public.

"Enquiries are ongoing and police would appeal for any information regarding this alleged incident or regarding the females reported to be involved - especially in the period prior to 2.15pm," the statement continued.

Police have also issued a warning to social media users not to speculate about the incident.

The force said: "Now that arrests have been made, speculating and commenting online about what might have happened - or the actions of specific individuals - could seriously jeopardise the investigation and the legal process."

Anyone with information can contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting ref 86878, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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