Arrest after man spotted posing as a police officer and approaching schoolgirls
A MAN has been arrested after reports of a person posing as a police officer and approaching schoolgirls.
The 28-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempting to take a child at a school in Haringey, north London.
Police say he approached five girls aged 11-14 before their lessons started.
The suspect did not wear a uniform, but allegedly tried to convince his targets he was a plain-clothes officer.
None of the girls fell for the ruse, but police are treating the incidents as attempt abductions.
Officers said the suspect is black, in his 20s, of medium build and wearing a hooded jacket.
It is thought that he targeted girls from more than one school, and struck between 7.50am and 9am on Monday and Tuesday of this week.
The man, who was not named, was arrested on Wednesday, questioned and then bailed.
Schools were put on high alert while the man was still at large.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Trevers said: "Haringey does not see this type of offence very often and I want to reassure the community that such instances are incredibly rare.
"Notwithstanding the development of an arrest, I urge any witnesses to come forward so that my team can be sure to identify and prosecute the offender of these awful crimes.
"If you believe you or a loved one is a victim of such a crime, please contact us via 101 and be assured officers will treat you with care and sensitivity and we will do all we can to support you."
Anyone with information about the incidents can call police in Haringey via 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111 or at: crimestoppers-uk.org.