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A man has been arrested on suspicion of kidnap after we dealt with a report of a man leaving Chelmsford with four children in a car.
Initially the incident – reported to us on the evening of Sunday 13 October – was dealt with as a missing people investigation.
As a result of our work on the report, our focus then moved from a missing episode to a potential abduction, with the safety of the four children being of utmost importance.
As a result of information provided by members of the public and the use of a number of policing tactics, the man and four children were located in the east London area safely at about 11pm on Sunday 13 October.
A 38-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and remains in custody today.
Acting Detective Inspector Dan Smith said:
“This incident moved at an incredibly fast pace late last night and thankfully, alongside colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service, we were able to bring it to a safe conclusion.
“At all times, our priority was the safety of the children present.
“A thorough investigation into the incident and the circumstances surrounding is now taking place.”
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