POLICE have launched an urgent appeal to find a witness after a man attempted to lure a teenage girl into his car on a village road in Silverstone, with detectives particularly keen to trace a Good Samaritan who intervened to help the victim.
The teenager was walking her dog in Silverstone, Northamptonshire, at around 9.45pm on Sunday evening when the man approached her and tried to grab her. The incident occurred at the junction between Towcester Road and Whittlebury Road when a red Volkswagen slowly pulled up beside her.
Northamptonshire Police said the girl ignored calls from the driver of the car, prompting him to get out of his vehicle and grab her arm. Officers revealed that another man ran over to assist the teenager by forcing off the stranger, who then fled the scene in his car.
Hero Intervenes in Terrifying Ordeal
Detective Inspector Sarah Matthews of Northamptonshire Police said: “This was an extremely frightening experience for a young person who was simply walking her dog on a Sunday evening. We are particularly keen to speak to the man who courageously intervened and helped the victim escape from this dangerous situation.”
The suspect was described as wearing a black hoodie with the hood up during the attempted attack. Police have not released further details about his physical appearance but confirmed they are treating the incident as an attempted abduction.
“The actions of the witness who came to the victim’s aid were nothing short of heroic,” Detective Inspector Matthews added. “His quick thinking and brave intervention prevented what could have been a far more serious incident.”
Community Shock in Historic Racing Village
The incident has sent shockwaves through the small Northamptonshire village, which is best known as the home of the famous Silverstone Circuit. Local residents expressed their concern about the attempted abduction, with many stating they had never experienced such an incident in their typically quiet community.
“It’s absolutely shocking that something like this could happen in Silverstone,” said a local resident who wished to remain anonymous. “This is normally such a safe area, especially for young people. Parents will be very worried.”
The junction where the incident occurred is a well-known location in the village, situated close to residential areas and frequently used by dog walkers and pedestrians. The area typically experiences increased activity during racing events at the nearby circuit, but Sunday evening would have been relatively quiet.
Police Appeal for Dashcam Footage
As well as calling for the possible witness to come forward, officers have asked locals for any dashcam or CCTV footage of the incident. The specific time and location of the attempted abduction mean that vehicles passing through the area may have captured crucial evidence.
A statement from Northamptonshire Police said: “Detectives investigating an incident in Silverstone where a teenage girl was approached by a man in a car are appealing for a potential witness to come forward. We would also like to hear from anyone with relevant CCTV, smart doorbell or dash-cam footage.”
The force emphasised that the car was described as small and red, possibly a Volkswagen, though they are keeping an open mind about the exact make and model. Officers are conducting house-to-house enquiries in the area and reviewing any available CCTV footage from nearby properties and businesses.
Safety Concerns Amid Summer Events
The timing of the incident has raised particular concerns as it occurred during the busy summer period when Silverstone hosts numerous events. The village had recently seen thousands of visitors for the British Grand Prix earlier in July, with the circuit continuing to host various racing and entertainment events throughout the summer months.
Superintendent Pete Basham, who oversees policing operations in South Northamptonshire, said: “We take incidents of this nature extremely seriously and have dedicated significant resources to this investigation. The safety of our communities, particularly young people, is our absolute priority.”
Local community safety partnerships are expected to review safety measures in the area, including street lighting and CCTV coverage, following the incident. Parish councillors have indicated they will discuss the matter at their next meeting.
Previous Incidents Prompt Vigilance
While Silverstone is generally considered a safe village, Northamptonshire Police records show there have been isolated incidents of attempted abductions in the wider county area in recent years. In November 2024, police investigated a suspicious incident in Kingsthorpe, Northampton, where a teenage girl was grabbed and told to get into a car.
“These incidents, while rare, serve as important reminders for parents and young people to remain vigilant,” said a spokesperson for a local safeguarding charity. “We encourage families to discuss personal safety and ensure young people know what to do if they find themselves in a threatening situation.”
Investigation Continues
Detectives are pursuing several lines of enquiry and have not ruled out the possibility that the suspect may have been in the area for the recent motorsport events. They are cross-referencing the incident with any similar reports from neighbouring counties.
Anyone with information about the incident, including the man who came to the victim’s aid, is asked to call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111,” the police statement concluded.
The victim, whose identity is being protected due to her age, is receiving support from specialist officers. Police confirmed she was not physically injured but was understandably shaken by the ordeal.
As the investigation continues, police patrols in the area have been increased to provide reassurance to the community. Officers are also working with local schools to remind young people about personal safety, particularly during the summer holidays when they may be out and about more frequently.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the courage of those who step forward to help others in danger. Police continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and assist with their investigation.
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