POLICE have made an arrest in connection with an attempted kidnap in Chippenham on Thursday - (30/1).
At about 8.15am that morning, a 14-year-girl was approached by a man as she made her way to school in Union Road, Chippenham.
He repeatedly offered her a lift which she declined.
Police have confirmed today that they have arrested a 52-year-old man from Chippenham on suspicion of attempted kidnap and he has been taken into custody for questioning.
Meanwhile, enquiries remain ongoing in relation to another worrying incident where a 12-year-old boy was approached in Woodlands Road, Chippenham on Wednesday afternoon.
Police say there is nothing to suggest that the two incidents are linked.
Detective Inspector Penny Andrews said: “We appreciate the significant community impact that these two incidents have had, and we have taken them both incredibly seriously since they were reported.
“I would like to reiterate, however, that they are not thought to be linked.
“A man has now been arrested in connection with the incident in Union Road and will now be questioned.
“Extra patrols continue to be carried out in the area and we remain in close contact with local schools to provide reassurance.
Since both the incidents have been reported, there has been a photograph shared several times on Snapchat and other social media of a man being labelled as a possible suspect. However, the police have said the person featured in the photo is not linked to the incidents and are urging the public not to speculate on possible suspects.
“We are aware that a photo of a man has been circulating on social media, particularly on Snapchat among schoolchildren, as a supposed suspect.
“This man is not linked to either offence and the photo appears to have been taken from social media. I would ask the public to refrain from speculation about the incidents" added Andrews.
If you have witnessed either incident or have any information, please report it on 101.
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