A teenager has been arrested and officers have launched an attempted murder investigation after a serious assault in Harlow. It was reported to Essex Police that at around 2.15pm on Tuesday January 7, a 17-year-old boy was forced into a blue vehicle in Terminus Street.
Then, at about 4.20pm, Essex Police were called by the ambulance service to reports of a man in his 30s with life-threatening injuries in Staple Tye Shopping Centre. Officers believe the reported kidnapping and assault are linked.
Officers closed the centre and paramedics carried out vital treatment at the scene, before the victim was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. Thankfully, his injuries are no longer believed to be life-threatening.
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Essex Police have carried out several enquiries since launching an investigation and arrested a 19-year-old man from Harlow in Chatham, Kent, in the early hours of Wednesday January 8. He was arrested on suspicion of kidnap and attempted murder, and remains in custody.
Sergeant Simon Roissetter said: “Officers are working around the clock on this case to ensure no stone is left unturned. I’d like to reassure those in Harlow that we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public and that officers will be visible in the Staple Tye area throughout the day while we carry out further enquiries.
“If you see our officers and believe you have any information relating to these incidents – in particular if you have any details or dashcam footage relating to the blue vehicle – please get in touch.” If you have information, please contact Essex Police quoting incident number 717 of Tuesday January 7.
You can contact Essex Police by submitting a report on their website or by using their online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days a week. Alternatively you can call 101.
If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.