Strangers rescue boy from kidnapper in Liverpool

May 17 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

TWO heroes are thought to have prevented a 12-year-old boy from being abducted on the streets of Liverpool.

The youngster was cycling along City Road, Walton, towards Goodison Park when a man came at him from behind and grabbed him before pulling him backwards towards a van.

It was at this point that two men, thought to simply be passers-by, ran out into the road and frightened the potential kidnapper into releasing the boy. The assailant then drove away in the direction of Bodmin Road.

Although the boy was not injured, he was shocked by the incident which took place at about 9.40pm on Monday.

The offender is described as being olive-skinned with short dark hair with razor cuts in it, which are cut parallel with his ears.

He had a goatee beard and sideburns, a scar on his left forearm and was thought to be wearing a black t-shirt and black Adidas tracksuit bottoms.

The van is described as a white Transit van with a panel door, possibly with a wooden floor in the interior with rusting at the back step.

DC Christopher Burrows said: “Incidents of this nature are extremely rare and therefore we are treating the matter very seriously.

“Although the boy was not harmed, this was obviously a frightening ordeal for him.

“We are particularly keen to speak to the two men who were seen walking in the road, they may have seen something that could help identify the offender.”

House-to-house inquires have been conducted in the area and high visibility patrols have been stepped up.

Merseyside Police is appealing for any witnesses, particularly the two men who were walking along City Road, or anyone with any information to contact St Anne’s Street CID on 0151 777 4067; or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

richarddown