Appeal for information following incident in Bishop's Stortford

Police are appealing for information and witnesses following an incident in a park in Bishop’s Stortford, involving a man and a one-year-old boy.

The incident happened between 3pm and 3.10pm on Tuesday (5 May) on the footpath in Grange Paddocks Park.

A one-year-old boy was walking with his mother along the River Stort when a man, dressed in dark clothing, approached from behind, picked the boy up and placed him onto his shoulders.

The mother asked the man to put the boy down, but he laughed and continued carrying him towards the play area, at Grange Paddocks Leisure Centre main entrance.

Despite the mother asking the man to leave them alone, he continued to play with the child and put him on a swing.

When the boy’s mother eventually managed to get her child from the swing, the man kissed him.

Detective Constable Elaine Adams said: “The incident was very distressing for the mother and her, and we are keen to speak to anyone who saw the incident or the male in the area.  We are in the early stages of our investigation into what happened, the circumstances around it and are keeping an open mind as to the intent of the individual.

“We are carrying out enquiries locally, including reviewing any available CCTV. Extra high-visibility patrols will be conducted in the area to provide reassurance.

“We’re working to identify the man, who is described as around 5ft 3ins tall, of slim build, with tanned skin and wearing all-dark clothing.

“I am particularly keen to hear from people who were in or around the play park during this incident, including a woman who was walking a small dog, and who may have seen what happened but has not yet spoken to police.

“If you saw anyone matching this description in the area between 3pm and 3.15pm yesterday, please get in touch.”

You can report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 41/41471/26.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.