Police Make Appeal After 'Boy Bundled Into Van' In Surrey

An urgent appeal has been launched following reports a boy was bundled into a van and abducted in Surrey.


The child, aged around six or seven, was seen being taken into the side of a black van in Redhill at 4.43pm on Thursday.

Police had released CCTV footage of a black Volkswagen transporter - which has now been traced and ruled out of the investigation.

However, they are still searching for a similar style black VW van with a sliding side door - but no writing on the side.


Police have ruled out this black VW Transporter, but are looking for a similar van

The boy is described as white and around 4ft tall, wearing a red T-shirt and navy blue jeans.

Superintendent Chris Edwards, of Surrey Police, said although no one has reported a child missing matching the description given, officers had no reason to doubt the witness that reported the apparent abduction.

He conceded these were "very unusual circumstances", but the force would continue to treat the matter with the "utmost seriousness".

Supt Edwards told Sky News: "So far we have had no reports of missing children that match that description in that location and we have extended the parameters of that search to the region, and nationally.

"No forces have had reports of missing children consistent with that set of circumstances.

"We will continue to treat this investigation with the utmost seriousness until such time that we can establish the full circumstances of what happened."

He added: "I have got no reason to doubt the veracity of the witness's account at this stage."


The Frantic Giant mountain bike was found at the scene

The youngster was seen "tampering" with the chain of a silver and yellow mountain bike, which was left behind at the scene of the feared abduction, though police have said they cannot categorically link the bike to the child.

They want to speak to anyone who was in Redstone Hill at around 4.30pm to 5pm, or in and around Redhill train station.

Anyone with any information can contact Surrey Police by calling 999 in an emergency or 101, or report it online at www.surrey.police.uk quoting Operation Bigfoot.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.