POLICE have called on people to check information before sharing it online after posts flooded social media suggesting a child had been abducted from a Kidderminster park.
Officers were made aware of several posts suggesting a child had been abducted from Springfield Park on Tuesday, June 2.
The social media posts caused great concern within the community, and a phone call was sent out to the police at around 6pm.
Extensive enquiries were made by police officers, with reports of the National Police Air Service circling around the area.
However, West Mercia Police said they found no evidence that an abduction had taken place and that they had not received any report of a missing child connected to this incident.
A spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: “Following a call which was made in good faith by a concerned member of the public, officers carried out extensive enquiries to establish the circumstances.
“These enquiries found no evidence that an abduction had taken place.
“We understand why reports of this nature can cause concern within the community.
“We would encourage people to check information before sharing it online and, if they have concerns about a crime or incident, to report it directly to the police so that appropriate enquiries can be carried out.”
Councillor Liam Carroll, who represents Offmore and Comberton on Wyre Forest District Council, was made aware of the speculation on social media and the concern it was causing, and called for people not to speculate.
Coun Carroll said: “There have been reports circulating on social media regarding a possible incident involving a child in the Springfield Park area.
“There has been a significant police presence in and around Springfield Park, Sion Hill and surrounding areas.
“I would urge people to rely on official sources and established local media rather than speculation on social media.
“If you have any information that may assist police, please contact West Mercia Police on 101, or call 999 in an emergency.”
