Chorley man arrested on suspicion of kidnap after schoolgirl is lured into woods and forced to remove clothing

Detectives say the man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap, but has since been bailed pending further investigation.

The 15-year-old victim was confronted by a man in a wooded area just off Stonyhurst and close to Holy Cross Catholic High School, between 8.45am and 9.15am on Thursday, (September 17).

The man told the teenager to follow him and lured her behind some trees in the woods, where he then threatened her and ordered her to remove her school uniform.

He then fled the scene, leaving the terrified girl to make her escape. Although she was not injured, the girl has been left shaken and afraid, say police.

Following enquiries, detectives arrested a man from Chorley on suspicion of kidnap, but Lancashire Police are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses.

A spokesman for the force said: "We continue to be interested in a white man, aged in his 30s, approx. 5ft 10ins tall, slim with short hair.

"He was wearing a black hat, dark blue jacket, black pants and black shoes."

Det Sgt Paul Price, of South CID, added: "While we have arrested a man our enquiries are very much on-going and I would appeal for anyone with information to get in touch.

"I would particularly like to ask members of the public to check CCTV cameras and dash cam cameras in the Yarrow Valley and Coppull area in and around the Spar store on the morning of September 17, between 9am and 11.30am.

"We recognise that this incident will have caused a good deal of concern in the local community and reassurance patrols remain the area.

"If anyone has information or concerns they should feel free to approach an officer.

"The victim involved was not hurt during the incident but is clearly very shaken and is being supported by specially trained officers."

Anyone with information should call Chorley CID on 01257 246190 or email [email protected] and quote log 0404 of September 17, 2020.

Alternatively, you can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.