Probe launched after 'attempted kidnapping' of boy near primary school

An investigation is ongoing following the reported attempted kidnapping of a boy on his way to school in North Lanarkshire.

The nine-year-old child was walking along Westfield Drive, in Cumbernauld, when a man in a white van reportedly stopped and gestured to him.

The boy’s father took to social media to warn others following the incident.

“Warning someone tried to kidnap [my son] this morning going to school,” he wrote.

“A white van approached him, a man started to scream at him to get into a van.

“[Please] be aware he is fine and police have been informed.”

North Lanarkshire Council said it was taking the matter seriously but that it appeared to be an isolated incident.

STV News understands support is being offered to parents and pupils where appropriate with staff talking to children about “stranger danger”.

Police Scotland said officers were working to establish what happened and trace the driver but so far had not been able to establish whether or not a crime had taken place.

Police said no other reports of similar incidents had been received in the area.

A council spokesperson said: “An incident took place outside the school grounds involving a driver of a vehicle and a pupil.

“No one was harmed and police were contacted immediately and are investigating.

“Although this appears to be an isolated incident, we take these matters seriously and the safety of our children and young people are our priority.”

A spokesperson for the force said: “Around 9.25am, on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, police received a report of an incident in Westfield Drive, Cumbernauld, where a man stopped his white van and gestured to a young boy aged nine who was walking along the street.

“At this time police have been unable to establish if there was any criminality however officers are currently carrying out enquiries to establish the exact circumstances of this incident and trace the driver.

“We have not received any further reports of such incidents in this area.

“If anyone has any information on this, or has any concerns, please contact Police Scotland via 101.”