26 April 2023 , 13:23
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Two men have been arrested after masked suspects allegedly tried to kidnap a child near a school.
The child - said to be aged between nine and 11 - managed to flee the scene and ran home to safety, police said.
Children will be warned by their headteacher about 'stranger danger' and how to stay safe after two men were said to have attempted to snatch a youngster shortly after the afternoon school run.
The terrifying incident happened at around 4.30pm on Tuesday in Kemsley near Sittingbourne, Kent.
Two suspects, aged 29 and 60, were arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap later that day.
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A man in a ski mask reportedly tried to take a child in the nearby recreation ground, not far from Kemsley Primary Academy.
In an email sent to parents, headteacher Iris Homer confirmed children will now be warned about "stranger danger" in assembly.
Teachers at a nearby primary school are now warning pupils about "stranger danger"She said: "We have been informed there has been an attempted kidnap on a child by a slight/athletic man around 5ft 9, with dark eyes, wearing black sportswear, white gloves and a full ski mask.
"During assembly, the school shall be reminding children how to remain vigilant whilst walking home from school – especially pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 who have permission to do so – walking with a friend, how to stay safe while playing outside and how to respond to potentially dangerous situations including stranger danger."
On Wednesday, the school confirmed that the matter was resolved by police last night and officers were still in the area this morning.
A spokesperson added: "This obviously strikes a concern for parents and teachers.
"But we are going to be hosting assemblies every day this week to support the children and promote vigilance."
Both suspects are still at a police station being questioned, Kent Police said.
A spokesperson for the force added: "We were called to a report of an attempted abduction of a child yesterday afternoon.
"Officers attended and, as part of their enquiries, arrested two men from Sittingbourne, aged 29 and 60, on suspicion of attempted kidnap.
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"They remain in custody. The victim was able to leave the scene and return home safely."