Parents on alert after child grabbed in street
A SUSPECTED child snatcher is being hunted by police after he attempted to grab a toddler off the street.
River Chandler, three, was riding his scooter in the Girdlestone Estate, off Junction Road, Archway, when the stranger pounced.
Terrified mum April Chandler, who was coming up behind with nine-month-old August, started running to her older son's aid - despite being three months pregnant.
River managed to wrench his wrist from his attacker's grasp and the man fled.
Dr Chandler, 35, said: "River likes going through the Girdlestone Estate as he can go over the bumps. But we have an agreement that if he goes too far, he waits for me.
"He was standing there when the man tried to grab him. He held him by the arm, started talking to him, then pulled him closer. My son pulled back and almost fell over.
"I was in shock. I didn't scream. I started moving faster. The guy saw me and ran.
"The police have their view that this was an isolated event but I think he was an opportunist who could easily strike again."
On two separate occasions in July, men tried to get schoolgirls into their cars. The first incident involved a 10-year-old in Stanhope Road, Highgate. The second involved a nine-year-old in Canonbury Road, Islington.
Dr Chandler, 35, is warning mums not to let their children walk home on their own.
"Mums need to be aware," she said. "We were lucky but maybe next time someone won't be. I don't think any children under 13 should walk home on their own. We need to get this man off the streets."
Detectives have dismissed any suggestion that the man was innocently trying to talk to River - but they are not connecting it to any other offences.
Trainee Detective Constable Sam Harris said: "I am satisfied his actions were inappropriate. I am satisfied that an offence was committed. I think he was trying to take the child. But I have nothing to say it's connected to any other incidents."
Councillor Catherine West, opposition Labour group leader, said schools "should consider telling parents not to let their children come and go on their own until we know that there isn't a risk".
Councillor Barbara Smith, Islington Council's executive member for community safety, dismissed this. She said: "I am sure parents will be extra vigilant following this news. But the leader of the opposition's call for parents not to let children go to school on their own is a total overreaction."
The incident happened between 4.30pm and 5.30pm on October 29. The suspect is described as black, 6ft tall, aged 20 to 40, of heavy build and wearing a dark padded waist-length jacket. Anyone with information should call TDC Harris on 020 7421 0195 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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