Lincolnshire Police issues statement about West Pinchbeck school pupil abduction fears

Police say that reports of an attempted abduction near a primary school are ‘incorrect’ — but teachers are still urging pupils to be alert after a ‘suspicious’ incident.

Yesterday, St Bartholomew’s Primary School in West Pinchbeck issued an alert to parents and told them that a man in a van had tried to snatch a young pupil in Six House Bank on their way home.

Lincolnshire Police has now said that this was not the case. They say a man in a white van is said to have been driving in the area at the time — but officers say he pulled up on the pavement, lowered the window and was heard laughing. He apparently shouted ‘stop’ and drove off, with no attempt to take the child.

A spokesman said: “We received reports yesterday, Wednesday May 14, that a man was seen driving a white van near Six House Bank in West Pinchbeck. We can confirm that information surrounding an abduction is incorrect.

“The Spalding Neighbourhood Policing Team will be conducting visible patrols around the area for reassurance and will also be visiting the local school.”

Headteacher Sophie Ingle has issued a further statement, explaining that pupils have been given tips on how to stay safe on their way to and from school. She said the driver ‘sped off’ when the parent ran towards them.

In a social media post, she wrote: “The police have visited the school and are looking at CCTV footage. Unless further information arises, they are treating the incident as suspicious but nothing criminal has happened at this stage.

“Our school acted as they did to ensure that all of their children and community were safe. We have refreshed all of our children about safety when walking to and from school, trusted adults and what to do if they are worried or scared when walking alone.

“We take safeguarding our children with the utmost importance and will continue to do all that we can to keep them all safe.”