Children rescued from alleged kidnappers after dramatic arrests in south Warwickshire

The drama started when villagers suspected the occupants of the van were trying to steal dogs
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Two children believed to have been kidnapped have been rescued after police arrested three men in south Warwickshire.

The drama started on March 13 when villagers reported that the occupants of a silver Peugeot Partner van were approaching several dog walkers in the Alderminster, Ilmington, Newbold On Stour and Shipston On Stour area.

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Worried they were trying to steal the dogs, officers from the Warwickshire Rural Crime Team drove to the area and located the van.

Two children believed to have been kidnapped have been rescued after Warwick police arrested three men in south Warwickshire.Two children believed to have been kidnapped have been rescued after Warwick police arrested three men in south Warwickshire.
Two children believed to have been kidnapped have been rescued after Warwick police arrested three men in south Warwickshire.

Intelligence was later received that the men in the van had allegedly been involved in the kidnap of a child from the Kent area earlier that day.

A police spokesperson for the Warwickshire Rural Crime Team said: "In the early hours of Sunday two males were arrested by our response colleagues in connection with the allegation of kidnap.

"Unfortunately a third male (also implicated in the offence) was not located at the same time.

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"On Monday evening while patrolling the Bishopton area officers from the Rural Crime Team located the suspect van driving on the A46 near Stratford.

"After arranging for tactical support from traffic officers from OPU Warwickshire the van was stopped in the Coventry area.

"The third outstanding suspect was located in the van and arrested on suspicion of kidnap.

"A second male also in the van was arrested on suspicion of theft after further incidents relating to the van were confirmed at the scene.

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"Also in the van were two teenage females that were confirmed as missing from Coventry and Somerset areas. Both females were returned to their appropriate residence by officers.

"The van was seized for its use in the now long list of offenses and will be forensically examined.

"I'd like to thank all the members of the public that called us about this van. A great result thanks to you."