Police appeal launched after seven year old girl snatched from her mother’s side

Girl was not physically harmed, police confirm

Police have urged anyone who saw the incident on Mary Datchelor Close in Camberwell, south London, to come forward. (Google Maps)

Officers have appealed for witnesses after a seven year old girl was grabbed by a man as she walked beside her mother in the street.

The assailant, who was not known to the family, carried the girl for 100 metres before dropping her to the ground in Southwark at 5pm on Thursday.

He was then able to make his escape on foot. The girl was not physically harmed during the incident.

The Metropolitan Police has since launched an urgent investigation to establish the circumstances around the incident, while urging anyone who saw the incident on Mary Datchelor Close in Camberwell, south London, to come forward.

Officers are also appealing for CCTV footage from the area.

The suspect is described as a black man of stocky build, who was wearing a yellow sleeveless tabard over a black long-sleeved top with blue jeans.

Witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage can call 101 with reference Cad 5832/22Oct.