POLICE have arrested a man in connection with an alleged incident involving a child in York.

At about 2.30pm yesterday (March 30), a woman and her two-year-old son were walking on the iron bridge which runs over Huntington Road, when a man approached them, and allegedly took hold of the child, said North Yorkshire Police. 

The child’s mother shouted at the suspect, and two men in high-vis jackets approached him. The suspect then let go of the child and ran off, said the force.

Although police say the mother and child were both very shaken, no one was injured. The two men checked on the mother and stayed with her for a short time.

Inquiries began immediately, police said, and a suspect was arrested later that day in connection with the incident. He remains in custody.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12210088176.

In particular, officers would like to speak to the two men in high-vis jackets, as they may be important witnesses.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said: "Residents can be reassured that York is a very safe place, and incidents of this nature are extremely rare.

"In this case, a suspect was quickly identified, arrested, and taken into custody. Inquiries are now ongoing to establish the full circumstances."