We don’t normally cover police appeals for incidents off the Island, but as the content of this appeal below is so worrying and given the close proximity, we thought it might be worth alerting readers on the Island. Ed
Update: See update at bottom of article
At 3.04pm yesterday afternoon (Wednesday, May 19), police received a call from a member of the public who had witnessed what looked like a dispute between a boy and an adult on Meyrick Road, close to the junction with Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth. The member of the public thought he witnessed the boy being forced into a car.
The witness states the car was driven in the direction of the Mother Shipton public house.
The car is described as a ‘J’ registration silver coloured Ford Escort.
The adult is described as:
– Aged 35 to 40
– White
– 5ft 8ins
– Small build
– With dark very short hair which is described as being almost a skinhead
– He was possibly wearing a grey and white short sleeved shirt and jeans
The boy is described as:
– Aged 9 to 10
– Around 4ft
– Skinny build
– Dark short straight hair
– Wearing a dark silky jacket, dark trousers and dark trainers
Detective Chief Inspector Dick Pearson, said: “There may an innocent explanation to what the witness has seen and we would urge anyone involved to get in touch with immediately.
“We must investigate all possible explanations and are appealing to anyone who witnessed what happened, or anyone who sees a car matching this description to come forward and contact the police immediately.”
Update: Thursday morning
Detective Inspector Nigel Oliver, said: “As soon as this incident was reported to us we began extensive enquiries in the area. This included house to house enquiries in the areas of Meyrick Road and Twyford Avenue, looking at CCTV throughout the Portsmouth area, speaking to local schools and contacting registered owners of vehicles similar to that described by the witness.
“The witness described the vehicle as a silver coloured ‘J’ registered Ford Escort. I would appeal to anyone who thinks they may be involved in this incident, or anyone with any other information, to get in touch with us at the earliest opportunity.”
Anyone with any information in connection with this incident should dial 101. In an emergency dial 999.
Update: 13.30
The people involved in what was thought to be a suspicious incident in Portsmouth, have been located safe and well.
Detective Inspector Nigel Oliver, said: “We can confirm that the boy is safe and well and there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding this incident. Fortunately on this occasion nothing untoward had happened. The member of the public who initially called us did the right thing, and as always we would ask anyone who witnesses anything suspicious to contact us.
“We would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance in this matter.”
