An 18-YEAR-OLD accused of grabbing a school girl has appeared in court charged with attempted kidnap.
The lad, from the Brownhills area of the town, appeared before Walsall Magistrates Court today (Thursday 25 July) 24 hours after being arrested by detectives from West Midlands Police’s Public Protection Unit.
Police swooped on the address after releasing CCTV images of a man grabbing an 11-year-old as she walked home alone from Holland Park at around 7.45pm on Saturday.
The child screamed and broke free from the man’s grasp before running home and alerting her parents who called police.
Officers specially trained in dealing with young victims of crimes continue to support the girl and her family.
Today the officer leading the investigation praised the public’s “overwhelming” response to the appeal.
“I would like to thank the public for their response to our appeal for information following the release of CCTV images earlier this week,” said Detective Inspector Annie O’Grady.
“We have been overwhelmed by the information received and the messages of support for the girl and officers working on the case.
“The man’s appearance at court is not the end and I would ask that anyone with information which may aid the ongoing investigation to contact me.
“I also wish to stress that while the man has been charged and has appeared at court he is innocent until proven guilty.
“The incident had a significant impact on the local community and there is a lot of talk in the area. However, speculation on who the man is and what his motives were are incredibly unhelpful and may negatively impact on the future trial.”
The teenager was remanded in custody pending his appearance at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 19 October.
Anyone with information which may aid DI O’Grady’s investigation should call her on 101. Alternatively, people who do not want to speak with police officers directly can contact the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.