Gang arrest for ‘kidnap attempt’ on girl, 13

Four men in custody after teen approached in van

By DANIEL CUTTS

Ripon Cathedral near where the alleged kidnap attempt happened Times Newspapers Ltd

FOUR men have been arrested on suspicion of trying to kidnap a 13-year-old girl.
Police were called to Clotherholme Road in Ripon, North Yorks, at around 3.15pm on Thursday following reports the girl had been approached by men in a van.
A white Ford Transit was later stopped on the nearby A61 around an hour later.
The men, aged 36, 26, 22 and 20 and all from West Yorkshire, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap.
Officers are investigating whether the alleged kidnap attempt is linked to a similar incident involving a ten-year-old boy in Ripon last Saturday.

North Yorkshire Police probing incident

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police have increased patrols in the Ripon area to provide reassurance to local communities.
“Extensive enquiries are on-going into these incidents.”
The four men are still in custody today and being questioned by cops.
Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.