TWO schoolgirls, 14, made false claims that men attempted to abduct them on the way home from school in Acocks Green, police have revealed.
An extensive investigation was launched into the ‘made up’ allegations that the girls were approached in Station Road on Friday, May 3.
It was claimed they noticed a van was being driven suspiciously and, although the vehicle drove off, two men appeared moments later and tried to drag them away.
Detectives and local officers carried out a lengthy probe which included house to house enquiries and trawling hours of CCTV footage.
And no evidence was found to support the allegations.
After admitting the claims were made up, they are said to have apologised and police have warned them about their conduct.
Police say there is no suggestion that a passer-by – who was said to have responded to the girls’ cries for help – had done anything wrong.
Detective inspector Amandeep Sanghera, from the force’s public protection unit, said: “Fortunately, attempts to abduct children are rare and all reports of this nature are vigorously investigated.
“As the enquiry progressed it became clear quite quickly that this incident had not happened.
“I understand the concern this caused amongst residents and hopefully our communities will be reassured to learn there was never any danger.”
