Residents angered with police over abduction comments

Local residents in Middleton and Heywood are angered by the way in which GMP Rochdale South have handled recent reports of children being approached by unknown men.

Several reports have been made to police in Middleton and Heywood regarding the issues.

Karen Armitage, whose 15-year-old daughter was approached by two unknown males in a car said: “It is disgraceful the way that things have been portrayed. With what the police put on Facebook, it sounds like people are just making it all up.”

Police released a statement saying: “GMP would like to reiterate that although we have had a number of incidents reported to us concerning possible abductions, all of which have been thoroughly investigated by our officers, we are satisfied that there has been no abductions or attempted abductions in the Middleton and Heywood Area (Rochdale South).”

Karen added: “I never used the word abduction when I spoke to the police.”

Karen’s daughter was approached by two males on Saturday 21 September. Karen immediately called the police to report the men. An officer than came to speak to the family on Sunday. Karen later contacted the police regarding possible CCTV footage of the men. Many calls later and Karen was still left wondering what was happening until she saw status updates from the police on Facebook.

“They say they have investigated everything and have looked into all possible routes but I spoke to the shop keeper with the CCTV and that still hasn’t been looked at so they really haven’t investigated everything” said Karen.

Detective Sergeant Diane Johnson from Greater Manchester Police said: "While we are always grateful for information from members of the public which we will always act on, we do not feel there is any substance to any of these reports.

"I would like to reassure people that we have fully pursued all allegations, but despite this we cannot find any evidence that criminal offences have taken place.

"We understand that these reports have been made with the best of intentions, but we suspect that now an urban myth has taken hold and it is important for us to address that.

"Our officers are speaking to members of the public and schools to help deliver this message and make it clear to them that we are always on hand to help."

Karen said: “My daughter is OK now. She is sensible and knew what to do. I know some of the other kids this has happened to are a lot younger so it could be a lot more traumatic for them.”