Bromley Cross: Mum fights off masked men in attempted carjacking

Kerry Chapman, 39, had just parked in a car park near Clay Street with her 12-year-old son Aston, when four men tried to drag her out of her car.

She said two of the men were wearing balaclavas during the terrifying incident, which happened on Friday at around 10.20pm, but she managed to “chase them off”.

Kerry said two of the offenders were white, had short to medium length hair, were of slim builds, and wearing tracksuits.

Kerry said: “They tried to drag me out, but I just ran and chased them, and they ran off.

"My son ran out the car also, as you can see on the CCTV, to help me chase them and make sure I was OK.

“I will never get that image of the balaclavas out of my head, and it has damaged me for life.

“It scared me because I couldn’t see anything.

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“I heard this noise, and when I realised there were these lads with balaclavas, I got out of my car and chased them.  

“All I did was protect my son, but I could have got myself injured.

“I wanted them to get away from my son.”

Kerry says she is still in a state of shock by what has happened and has been left with bruises on her arm.

She said: “I am still in shock, and it’s not hit me that it’s happened because I can still see masks.

“I am still coming to terms with it.

Kerry Chapman with her son Aston (Image: Public)

“I have tried to block it out for my son’s sake.

“I am on pins thinking I am a target because I don’t know why it happened.”

She says that she has been concerned over incidents of burglaries, anti-social behaviour, and car thefts after moving to the area three years ago.

She said: “I used to go to Turton High School, and it was always known as a posh area.

“It’s getting worse, and it’s a different place now.

“I don’t feel safe even walking the dog during the day or around Bromley Cross.

“I am very jumpy now.”

CCTV of the incident (Image: Public)Ward councillor Cllr Nadim Muslim says that he is “shocked” to hear what has happened and has urged residents to report any crimes to the police.

He said: “It’s shocking what happened to the woman, and I am glad she is OK.

“It’s just a reminder to make sure that residents report any crime to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) directly, so they can make more targeted approaches.

“They can do that online or call 101.

“If there are any anti-social behaviour issues the council will work with GMP to tackle that and see if there is anything we can do.”

Police have confirmed that no arrests have been made and enquiries remain ongoing.

A spokesperson for GMP said: "On Friday, March 29, officers were called to reports of an attempted carjacking on Clay Street, Bromley Cross.

“It has been established that an unknown man attempted to drag the victim out of her vehicle before making off on foot.

“No injuries were reported, and no arrests have been made at this stage.

“Enquiries are ongoing.”

If you have any information contact police on 101 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.