A man has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act after a child received 'serious injuries' in a terrifying attempted kidnapping near a park in Bolton.
Police received a report of the incident at around 6.30pm on February 21 on Mayor Street. A woman had been walking with her child when she was approached by the stranger, who snatched her child from her and attempted to run away.
Concerned members of the public jumped in to help detain the man before police arrived at the scene. Officers later arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of kidnap and he was taken into custody for questioning.
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In an update, Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed the man who was arrested has been sectioned under Section 2 of the Mental Health Act for 28 days to be assessed further.
The 'distressing' ordeal left the child with serious but non-life threatening injuries. The mum was also left 'very shaken' after the attempted abduction, and is being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Inspector Tony Lunt of GMP Bolton CID previously said: "I'd like to thank the quick work and bravery of members of the public who assisted in detaining a man who was arrested by officers.
"This was an incredibly distressing incident during which a child received serious injuries. Although these are thankfully not life-threatening, the mother of the child was understandably very shaken by the incident and is receiving support from specialist officers at this time.
"I understand the concerns it will raise in the community but I would like to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community. You will see increased patrols in the local area throughout the next few days so please approach our officers with any questions or concerns you may have.
"We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Mayor Street in Bolton between 6:20pm and 6:40pm and who may have seen someone behaving suspiciously. We're also interested in any footage - including CCTV or dashcam - that you might have in relation to this incident."
Police can be contacted on 0161 85 65757 quoting 2896 of 21/02/2023 or reports can be made via the Live Chat function on GMP's website: www.gmp.police.uk. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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