Appeal After Schoolboy Grabbed By Man On Bike

An alert has been issued and witness appeal launched after a schoolboy was grabbed twice by a man on a bike in Market Harborough.

It happened on Welland Park Road at around 3.20pm yesterday, as the 13-year-old was walking home from Welland Park Academy near the Farndon Road junction.

He initially managed to break free, but the man followed and grabbed him again claiming to be his Dad, before a member of the public intervened, causing the man to flee down a path towards Rugby Close.

A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “Police received a call at 4.55pm yesterday (Thursday 20 November) to report a 13-year-old had been approached by a man in Welland Park Road at around 3.20pm earlier that day.

“It was reported a man on a cycle approached the boy and grabbed his coat and rucksack.

“The boy made off before the man followed him.

“A passer by stopped to assist the boy and the man rode off.

“Enquiries are continuing in the incident, and arrangements have been made to speak to the boy to obtain his full account.”

The incident happened at the junction of Welland Park Road and Farndon Road

Describing the man involved, the boy’s family said: “The man was very distinctive and someone must have seen him. He had a small black beanie, shaved head but two ponytails either side of his head. He had a short beard and very rotten teeth.

“He was dressed in a black puffer jacket and joggers.

“We would like the local public to be made aware of the incident so that the perpetrator may be apprehended and to prevent any further instances happening to anyone else.”

Welland Park Academy has made students and parents aware of the incident and alerted other schools in the town.

Principal Pete Leatherland said: “At Welland Park Academy, the safety and wellbeing of our students is our highest priority.

“We have reminded all students about the importance of not speaking to strangers and to seek help immediately if they ever feel uncomfortable—either by returning to school or going to a safe public place.

“We are also asking parents and carers to reinforce this message at home.

“As a precaution, we have notified all local schools so they can share this advice with their students.

“We are working closely with the relevant authorities and encourage anyone with concerns or information to contact the police.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should call Police on 101, quoting incident 422 of 20 November.