suspicion of attempted kidnapping on the way to school, parents of students are doubling their vigilance
In front of the Germaine Tillion school in the Pradettes district of Toulouse, the concern is palpable among the parents of students. On Tuesday April 12, three students were taught by a suspicious motorist on their way to school. An investigation is underway to find out if there was an attempted kidnapping.
Since Tuesday April 12, Anissa has been picking up her son Bilal from school morning, noon and evening. This mother, however, only lives 280 meters from the Germaine Tillion school on Avenue Jean Baylet in the Pradettes district of Toulouse, but at the start of the week her son had a terrible fright.
Around 1 p.m. last Tuesday, on leaving his home, his son and two of his friends were accosted at the entrance to their residence as they were leaving to join their CM2 class.
A man in a white van picked us up, he said, “Are you lost, do you need help? Get in, I’ll get to you!” One of my friends immediately ran away. I replied “no it’s fine”. I walked away but he insisted with a tone that scared me. Then he moved forward with his vehicle, then backed up, then forward, insisting that I get on. There with my other friend, we ran to school!
The three boys then rejoice their school by running. Once there, they rush into the bus supposed to take them to the swimming pool.
During the trip, shocked, they tell their misadventure to their friends. A teacher hears them and faces the description of their remarks decides to notify the National Police immediately.
From Wednesday, the police collect the very precise testimonies of the three boys. The Toulouse Public Prosecutor’s Office says it takes this case very seriously. The Family Protection Unit is in charge of the investigation.
At the same time, parents of students say they are worried. “Of course it’s scary!”, we explain a pupil’s mother who is waiting in front of the school. “The school sent us an email asking us to be extra vigilant and to avoid children returning home alone.”
Bilal’s mother has also become very cautious.
Bilal at 10 years old. Next year he will be in college, I wanted to get him used to taking a bit of autonomy. But that’s it, I can’t anymore! It stresses me out too much. I am in front of the school now every day, not possible otherwise!
At the same time, the school and the parents of the students are setting up a walking bus so that an adult can take the children home every day.
After collecting the testimonies of the three boys, the police investigators continue their investigation.
They are now working to identify and find this driver considered suspicious. They want to clarify his intentions and find out if there was an attempted kidnapping.