Police increase patrols after boy ‘snatched’ on Stamford Hill estate

Police have increased their patrols around an estate near Stamford Hill after footage emerged of a Jewish boy apparently being snatched off his feet by a local gang.

The security organisation Shomrim said the incident occurred last week on the Webb Estate, which neighbours Springfield Park in northeast London.

One suspect has been issued with an anti-social behaviour warning, but police said the boy’s parents chose not to press charges.

Pictures released on Twitter appear to show a gang of three youths cornering the boy against a wall.

He is then picked up and carried across the road and out of view of the security camera.

The boy, who is 10 years old, was subsequently released into nearby front garden. He suffered no injuries but was left frightened by the incident.

On Tuesday local police in Stamford Hill tweeted an image of officers patrolling the Webb Estate.

They tweeted: “Officers have been patrolling in response and are making good progress in identifying suspects.

“Individuals connected are being investigated for both ASB [anti-social behaviour] and more serious criminal offences.”

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “Police were called at around 18:30hrs on Thursday, 9 December to a report that a group of teenagers had approached a boy, aged nine, as he was walking down Osbaldeston Road, N16.

“It was reported that one of the group picked up the boy and carried him to a nearby front garden where they let him go. He received no injuries.

“Officers attended and spoke to the victim’s mother. She did not wish to take any further action and the incident is not being treated as a hate crime.

“One suspect has been identified and issued with an anti-social behaviour warning. Enquiries are underway to identify others involved.”