Man 'posing as police officer' arrested on suspicion of kidnapping girl

15 October 2021, 12:49 | Updated: 15 October 2021, 17:12

File photo of a Sussex Police officer
File photo of a Sussex Police officer. Picture: Alamy

By Will Taylor

A man arrested on suspicion of impersonating a police officer to search a teenage girl's clothing allegedly approached her as she went to school.

Sussex Police said a man wearing a high-viz jacket approached the 14-year-old in Crawley on Wednesday morning.

He then searched her clothing before cycling off.

Police launched enquiries and a 32-year-old man was arrested on Thursday. He has been held in custody for interview.

Superintendent Marc Clothier said: "We understand that this arrest will impact communities. The girl is safe and unharmed and is receiving support from officers, working with her family.

Read more: Under-fire Met tells women to 'wave down a bus' if they feel in danger during arrest

"We want to reassure people we have not received any similar reports at this time and there is no current risk to anyone in the community in relation to this case.

"You will see more uniformed patrols in the area and we encourage you to stop and talk to us if you have any concerns.

"If you have any information that would assist our investigation, please call us on 101, quoting Operation Lonsdale.

"If you do see any behaviour that causes you concern, please always call 999 right away."

It comes amid increased scrutiny on lone officers, with Met Police guidance suggesting anyone speaking to one should try to verify their identity - and if they feel uncomfortable, to try and flee.

That was issued in the wake of the murder of Sarah Everard, who was detained and kidnapped by Wayne Couzens when he used his status as an officer to falsely arrest her.

"We understand some people may want additional reassurance when interacting with a lone police officer and when you are alone," Supt Clothier said.

"If this is the case, genuine officers can use their police radio on loudspeaker to talk to the operator in the police control room.

"The operator can confirm the identity of the officer, that they are on duty and carrying out legitimate policing business.

"You can also ask a passer-by to observe. Off-duty officers intervening in a crime in action or where someone is vulnerable, and not carrying a radio, will quickly call 999 for back up."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Drivers queuing in Dover on Friday morning

Holidaymakers hit with 2-hour Dover ferry waits amid strong winds, as 2.6m hit the roads for Good Friday getaway

The attack happened on a train in south London

Teenager charged with attempted murder after south London train stabbing, with victim still in critical condition

Mother Natalie Pinnell

Mother left in tears after daughter with complex needs 'erased' from school photo

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard have both been nominated to the Garrick Club

Amber Rudd and Mary Beard among seven women nominated for membership of all-male Garrick Club

Exclusive
Anneliese Dodds said Labour would make sure local people have 'skin in the game' with tackling inequality

'Rebuild has to start from ground up,' Labour's Anneliese Dodds says, and 'local people must have skin in the game'

Mohamed Mansour has been awarded a knighthood

Conservatives accused of 'cronyism' after donor who gave £5 million awarded knighthood in surprise honours list

Exclusive
Justin Welby recalled his experience of coping with his father's drinking as a teenager.

‘It was utterly isolating’: Archbishop of Canterbury recalls harrowing childhood with alcoholic father

More than 2 million drivers are set to hit the road on Good Friday.

Easter Carmageddon: Over two million drivers to hit the road on Good Friday after Storm Nelson travel chaos

Michael Gove has slammed the water firm as a 'disgrace'.

Thames Water bosses branded a ‘disgrace’ as Michael Gove tells firm ‘not to punish consumers’ for its failings

South Africa Bus Crash

Girl, 8, the sole survivor as 45 die in bus crash off South Africa bridge

A spokesman has denied reports the sausage dog could be banned.

The wurst news is over: Germany denies claims of sausage dog ban

Israel Palestinians Britain Aid

UN top court orders Israel to open more land crossings into Gaza

Greece Confidence Vote

Greece’s government survives no-confidence motion called over rail disaster

A council has had to apologise following the incident.

Fury as parents offered version of school class photo without complex needs pupils

Conjoined twin who shot to fame with sister on The Oprah Winfrey Show marries army veteran in private ceremony

Conjoined twin who shot to fame with sister on The Oprah Winfrey Show marries army veteran in private ceremony

Israel Palestinians UN Security Council

Russia ‘abolishes’ monitoring of sanctions on North Korea with UN veto