Girl, 13 , dragged into alleyway at knifepoint by two men who tied her hands together in terrifying daylight —kidnap attempt

The young girl was attacked after getting off the bus in Croydon, south London, on Sunday afternoon

Two men attempted to abduct a young girl in a terrifying broad daylight attack in south London.



The 13-year-old was forced into an alleyway at knife point and her hands tied together, police said.

The shocking incident happened sometime between 2.45pm and 4.20pm on Sunday after the victim got off the 250 bus from Brixton Hill to Norbury and was walking in Granville Gardens, Croydon.

While the two men were talking and distracted, the victim managed to escape, running into nearby Norbury High Road where she was able to call her family.

Police are now appealing for witnesses and have stepped up patrols in the area.

The victim had just got off the bus (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Detective inspector Dan O'Sullivan, Croydon CID, said incidents of this nature are "very rare" and that officers are "doing all they can to identify the individuals and bring them to justice".

"We have stepped up patrols in the area and have been speaking with the local schools to raise awareness among teachers, parents and young people," he said.

"There is no doubt that this was a terrifying experience for a young girl in broad daylight. It has caused a great deal of anguish for the victim and her family.

"Fortunately, thanks to her quick wit she was able to get away from the suspects and to safety.

"We believe the suspects followed the victim from the bus stop, so I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the suspects hanging around that area or walking towards Granville Gardens to come forward.

"Any information, no matter how small, could prove vital to this investigation."

Police are stepping up patrols in the area (Image: Google)

The force said the first suspect is described as a white man, aged 18-23 years, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short brown hair, blue eyes and a London accent.

He had a black mask covering half his face, and was wearing a thin black jacket, blue work-style trousers, white trainers and a Nike bag.

The second suspect is described as a white man, aged 25-29 years old, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, with blue eyes.

He was wearing a black balaclava, grey hoodie, black trousers and white trainers.



The Met said that no other similar offences have been reported.

Anyone with information should call Croydon CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.