A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempting to kidnap a child after teachers cornered him during a Charlton school leavers’ party.

The 30-year-old man reportedly approached a Year 6 girl at an event at Charlton Manor Primary School in Indus Road and is said to have taken her by the arm and told her to go with him.

But the girl, assisted by fellow pupils, managed to escape him and alert staff, who challenged the man and were able to detain him until police arrived.

A Met Police spokesman said: “Police were called at 4.34pm on Tuesday, July 17, to reports of a man attempting to kidnap a child outside a school in Indus Road, SE7.

“Officers attended and found the suspect standing outside the school with staff.

“It was reported that the suspected grabbed the hand of a female child outside the gates of the school and told her to go with him. However, the victim managed to break-free and alert staff.

“The suspect, aged 30, was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap.”

A statement from the school reassured parents the children were safe, though the girl was “obviously shaken”.

Below is the statement in full:

“I am writing to make you aware of an incident that occurred in Indus Road this evening, as our Year 6 children arrived for their Leavers Party. A man approached one of our Year 6 girls, took her by the arm and told her to go with him. The girl, assisted by other pupils, managed to get away from the man and was able to alert members of our staff. Staff challenged the man and were able to detain him until the Police arrived and made an arrest and took the man into custody.

“Please let me reassure you that all of the children are safe, although the girl involved is obviously shaken by the incident and being supported by her parents and members of staff. My staff acted immediately to safeguard the children and I thank them for their quick response and in securing the arrest of the individual.

“With the summer break approaching us, Please ensure that you talk to your children about keeping safe in the local area and what to do if they feel threatened in any way.”