Police investigate attempted child abduction in Liverpool

Police are investigating an attempted child abduction in Liverpool last week.

Police are investigating an attempted child abduction in Liverpool yesterday.

Police are investigating an attempted child abduction in Liverpool last week.

Police were told a 15-month-old boy was in the children’s play area at Macquarie St Mall in Liverpool about 2.30pm on Thursday afternoon as his mother stood a short distance away, watching him.

A man picked up the boy and began walking away towards Elizabeth Drive.

The boy’s mother yelled and ran towards the man, who handed the boy to her and then left the area in the direction of Elizabeth Drive.

Liverpool LAC crime manager Detective Inspector Dean Johnstone said the incident was reported to police the next day.

“The mother was quite distraught over the incident and returned home. She spoke to her husband when he got home from work,” he said.

“Due to the hour of the night and the child being asleep they waited until the following day to report it to police.”

It is understood there are no cameras at the playground where the boy was approached.

“It is very concerning that someone has got the gall to actually do this particular act.,” Det Insp Johnstone said.

“We have obtained CCTV footage of the area and at the present time one of our officers is trawling through approximately ten hours of footage.”

He said the mother did the right thing and kept a constant eye on her child.

The man is described as Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, about 45-years-old, medium build, clean shaven, with black hair combed back and wearing a black woollen long sleeved jacket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Liverpool Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.