Brave 13-year-old escaped attempted abduction by knife-wielding masked duo

A schoolgirl managed to flee from two masked men who threatened her with a knife and tied her hands after following her off a bus.

Detectives in Croydon are appealing for information and witnesses after two men attempted to abduct the 13-year-old victim.

She had been travelling on the 250 bus from Brixton Hill to Norbury on the afternoon of Sunday, 18 February.

The girl got off the bus at Green Lane, Norbury at some time between 2.45pm and 4.20pm and was walking in Granville Gardens when she was approached by two men.

They reportedly forced her into a nearby alley at knifepoint, before tying her hands together.

Whilst the two men were talking and distracted, the victim managed to escape, running into nearby Norbury High Road where she was able to call her family.

The first suspect is described as a white man, aged 18-23 years, around 5ft 9ins tall, with short brown hair, blue eyes and a London accent. He had a black mask covering half his face, and was wearing a thin black Jacket, blue work-style trousers, white trainers and a Nike bag.

The second suspect is described as a white man, aged 25-29 years old, approximately 5ft 7ins tall, with blue eyes; and wearing a black balaclava, grey hoodie, black trousers and white trainers.

DI Dan O’Sullivan, Croydon CID, said: “I’d like to start by pointing out that thankfully incidents of this nature are very rare, and officers are doing all they can to identify the individuals and bring them to justice. We have stepped up patrols in the area and have been speaking with the local schools to raise awareness among teachers, parents and young people.

“There is no doubt that this was a terrifying experience for a young girl in broad daylight. It has caused a great deal of anguish for the victim and her family.

“Fortunately, thanks to her quick wit she was able to get away from the suspects and to safety.

“We believe the suspects followed the victim from the bus stop, so I would appeal to anyone who may have seen the suspects hanging around that area or walking towards Granville Gardens to come forward. Any information, no matter how small, could prove vital to this investigation.

“At this time, no similar offences have been reported.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Croydon CID on 101. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.