Attempted abduction arrest at camp

MERSEYSIDE police have arrested a man after reports of an attempted child abduction at Pontins holiday camp in Ainsdale in Southport.

Officers were called to the site on Shore Road at around 10pm on Sunday after reports that a man had tried to abduct a nine-year-old girl.

He was detained by security staff at the park until police arrived.

Detectives arrested a 21-year-old from Bolton on suspicion of attempted abduction before taking him into custody for questioning.

He was released pending further investigation.

A concerned parent said that the experience had left his daughters fearing for their safety.

He said: “They were worried and, to be honest, they didn’t feel safe.”

“You try and explain to them what is happening, but you don’t expect this.

“We’ve been coming to Pontins for years, but I’m not sure we can come back after this. “It has left us all rattled.” CCTV and witness inquiries were being carried out to establish the full circumstances of the incident and anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Det Insp Robbie Moss said: “I would like to reassure the community that we take any reports of this nature extremely seriously and enquiries are ongoing to establish exactly what happened.

“Security staff at the location acted quickly to detain the man and I would urge any witnesses to speak to us immediately.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw anything suspicious that could help is asked to contact police 101, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously and free on 0800 555 111.