POLICE SEEK WOMAN AFTER APPROACH TO CHILD AT WEST HAM STATION

British Transport Police are investigating an attempted abduction at West Ham Underground station in London. The force said a woman approached a girl who was with her father at about 8.30pm on Thursday 15 October. According to police, the woman told the child she wanted to “grab” her and tried to hold her hand. The father moved his daughter away from the woman. Police said the woman then told passers-by that the father was abducting the girl before fleeing the scene.

Detectives have released CCTV images of a woman they want to trace in connection with the investigation. British Transport Police said they believe she may have information that could help them. The images show a white woman with blonde hair wearing a baseball cap and black clothing. Her jacket has an inverted triangle on one shoulder. She also appears to be carrying a bottle of wine.

Detective Constable Chris Petty said: “We appreciate reports of this nature are concerning and I would like to reassure the public that we are doing all we can to identify the woman in question.” He asked anyone who recognises the person in the images to contact British Transport Police. People can text her name to 61016, quoting reference 108 of 16 October. British Transport Police said people can also give information anonymously to Crimestoppers. Its telephone number is 0800 555 111.