ISLAND police have launched a probe into the possible abduction of a young boy, The Gazette has learnt.
Police are appealing for information after a suspicious incident was reported by a householder in the St. Lawrence area, Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight two weeks ago on Monday November 29, 2010.
The concerned man called police after a young boy accompanied by two men had knocked on his front door at his address in Undercliff Drive.
The worried homeowner informed them that the young boy looked very distressed and had been crying
The two men explained to the householder that they had become lost while out on a walk. The householder gave them directions to the St. Lawrence coastal path. After the trio of two men and the boy left walking down Old Park Road the concerned resident called the police.
Sergeant Martin Ward of the Isle of Wight’s Public Protection Unit (PPU) said: “The reasons why this boy appeared upset have not yet been confirmed to the police after enquiries in the local area over the past week. There could be a completely innocent explanation for what was reported to us, but we need to speak with those involved to ensure there is no concern for this child’s welfare. Police have not received any other similar reports on the Island recently.
“We are appealing for the two men who were with this boy to come forward and speak with police. One of the men told the householder that they were from the Island. Anyone who remembers seeing a boy walking with two men in the St. Lawrence and Ventnor area on the afternoon of Monday, November 29 is also asked to make contact with the Public Protection Unit.”
The boy was described as:
- Approximately 10 years old
- Afro-Caribbean in appearance
- Long curly dark hair, possibly in dreadlocks
- He was wearing a light-coloured safari-style jacket, light-coloured trousers, which were dirty with holes in the knees, and light-coloured trainers, which appeared old and worn.
The first man was described as:
- Aged in his 30s
- Short dark hair
- Medium build
- 5 ft 11 ins tall approximately
- He was wearing a blue waterproof jacket, black waterproof trousers, dark walking boots, dark gloves, and carrying a walking stick and two rucksacks.
The second man was described as:
- Aged in his early to mid-20s
- Slim to medium build
- 5 ft 10 ins tall approximately
- Short fair hair
- He was wearing blue jeans, a green and khaki jacket, and brown walking boots.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sergeant Martin Ward at the Isle of Wight Public Protection Unit (PPU) by phoning 101
