Police are treating two abduction incidents at separate parks in the Black Country as 'potentially linked'. The first incident occurred at Haden Hill Park in Cradley Heath on Thursday, June 18, when a four-year-old boy went missing while playing near a bowling green. His mother was tending to a baby at the time. The child was found several minutes later in nearby woodland. The suspect is described as a black male in his late teens, short in height, with curly hair, clean-shaven, and wearing black clothing.
Second Incident at Stevens Park
The following day, Friday, June 19, a second boy was approached by a suspicious man at Stevens Park, off Thorns Road in Quarry Bank, Dudley, at around 6pm. The man asked the child if he wanted to ride his bike. When the child refused, the man threatened him, though no physical harm occurred.
Police Investigation and Appeal
A West Midlands Police spokesperson said: 'We’re potentially linking the two incidents but we are keeping an open mind. We understand how concerning incidents of this nature can be and we’re working tirelessly on the investigation and to establish the exact circumstances. We’re currently studying CCTV at both locations. We are also appealing for witnesses to come forward and we’re particularly keen to hear from people who may have been at the two park locations at the time and may have any mobile footage to please contact us.'
Anyone with information can contact police by calling 101 quoting log number 3966-180626. Evidence can also be submitted via a public link: https://wmp.uk.evidence.com/axon/community-request/public/haden_hill. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
