West Midlands Police have launched an appeal for information after a 7-year-old boy was approached by a suspicious man in Dudley. The incident took place at around 4:30 PM on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in the area of Priory Road.
Details of the Incident
According to police, the boy was walking alone when a man in a black car pulled up alongside him. The man reportedly asked the boy to get into the vehicle. The child refused and ran away. He was not injured but was left shaken by the ordeal.
Description of the Suspect
The suspect is described as a white male, aged between 40 and 50, with short grey hair and a grey beard. He was driving a black hatchback car. Police are urging anyone who saw the vehicle or the man in the area at the time to come forward.
Police Appeal
Detective Inspector Tom Hadley of West Midlands Police said: "This was a very concerning incident for the young boy and his family. We are doing everything we can to trace the man involved. We would ask anyone who was in the Priory Road area on Tuesday afternoon and saw anything suspicious to contact us."
Police are also keen to speak to anyone who may have dashcam footage or CCTV that could assist the investigation.
Community Response
Local residents have expressed concern following the incident. A spokesperson for Dudley Council said: "We are working with the police to ensure the safety of all children in the area. We urge parents to remind their children about the dangers of talking to strangers."
Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, quoting log number 20/123456/23. Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
