A man approached a woman on a street in Bolton and snatched her child, police said.

Officers were called to Mayor Street after a report of an attempted abduction at around 6.30pm yesterday.

Police said a man approached a woman on the street and snatched her child, who received 'serious injuries'.

He tried to flee from the scene, but he was detained by members of the public.

Officers arrived and arrested a 23-year-old man on suspicion of kidnap.

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Detective Inspector Tony Lunt, of GMP Bolton, said: "I'd like to thank the quick work and bravery of members of the public who assisted in detaining a man who was arrested by officers.

"He has been taken into police custody where he will be questioned. 

"This was an incredibly distressing incident during which a child received serious injuries. Although these are thankfully not life-threatening, the mother of the child was understandably very shaken by the incident and is receiving support from specialist officers at this time.

"I understand the concerns it will raise in the community but I would like to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident and there is not believed to be any wider threat to the community. You will see increased patrols in the local area throughout the next few days so please approach our officers with any questions or concerns you may have.

“Whilst we have a man in custody, I want to assure you that our investigation does not stop here and I would ask any witnesses or anyone with information to get in touch with us.

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"We are particularly interested in speaking to anyone who may have been in the area of Mayor Street in Bolton between 6:20pm and 6:40pm and who may have seen someone behaving suspiciously. We're also interested in any footage - including CCTV or dashcam - that you might have in relation to this incident."

Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or use the LiveChat on gmp.police.uk.

People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.