A four-year-old boy has been found safe after a suspected abduction in a park, West Midlands Police have confirmed. Officers discovered the child in a nearby woodland area minutes after he disappeared while playing near a fishing pond in Haden Hill Park, Cradley Heath, on Thursday afternoon.
The boy went missing shortly after 3pm in the park off Halesowen Road. His mother had been attending to a baby at the time, police said. The child was located safe in woodland close to the park after a brief search, having been missing for several minutes.
Investigation and suspect description
West Midlands Police have launched an urgent investigation and are in the early stages of establishing exactly what happened. Specially trained officers are speaking to the boy and his family to piece together the events. The force has identified a suspect described as a male in his late teens, black, short in height, with curly hair, and clean-shaven. He was reportedly wearing black clothing at the time of the incident.
Despite the concerning circumstances, police believe the incident is isolated. However, they acknowledged the significant concern it has caused within the local community. Extra officers have been deployed to Haden Hill Park and the surrounding neighbourhood as a reassurance measure.
Police appeal for witnesses
Detectives are studying CCTV footage from the park and surrounding areas as part of their investigation. An appeal has been made for anyone who was in the park at the time of the incident, or who may have captured mobile phone footage, to come forward. Members of the public can submit evidence, photos, or videos via a dedicated online portal at https://orlo.uk/uY83L.
Anyone with information is urged to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 3966-180626. Alternatively, witnesses can stay anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
