UPDATE: Investigation concludes into report of a man approaching a child in Barrow

Latest update - 9:23pm, 14/8/26 A man arrested following an incident reported in Rawlinson Street in Barrow on Wednesday evening (12 Aug) has been released with no further action today (14 Aug). The man handed himself in to police on Wednesday (13 Aug) following social media reports circulating online alleging he had communicated to a child in a garden – with the suggestion being he had sought to encourage her to come with him. There was never any suggestion of the physical contact. As a result, the man was kept in custody on suspicion of attempted abduction of a child as officers worked to establish the circumstances of what had occurred. A police spokesperson said: “The initial report received by police was taken extremely seriously and resulted in officers making extensive enquiries between Wednesday evening and today – including comprehensive door-to-door enquiries. “The resulting police investigation included the assessment of all available evidence – including video footage. "The initial report was made by a parent acting out of concern for their child. However, following a thorough investigation, including an interview with the man arrested, no further action will be taken in regard to the incident reported. “A significant amount of resources has been dedicated to this incident since it was reported. The result is that officers are satisfied that there is no evidence which indicates an attempt was made to abduct a child. "We are aware that the incident, and the speculation surrounding it, has caused heightened tensions. We would encourage communities and individuals to remain calm and measured, particularly in relation to commentary and rhetoric online." Previous release - 12pm, 13/8/26 A man has been arrested this morning (13 Aug) as part of an investigation following a report of a child having been approached by a man in Rawlinson Street in Barrow yesterday evening (12 Aug). The man is currently in police custody having come forward following reports circulating online. The man is under arrest for attempted child abduction at this time. Cumbria Police would like to reiterate their request for people to allow officers the time to carry out their work and establish the factual circumstances of what has occurred and to refrain from unhelpful online speculation – particularly now there is an individual in custody. Previous Release – 11am, 13/8/26 Cumbria Police is appealing for information after a report that a child was approached by a man in Rawlinson Street yesterday evening (12 Aug). The approach is believed to have occurred at around 7.45pm. Whilst there was no physical contact with the child, Cumbria Police takes such reports seriously and is conducting enquiries in the area. As well as working to identify the man in question, officers conducted house-to-house enquiries in the area last night, which are continuing this morning. Patrols in the area have also been increased. Whilst it is important for people to remain vigilant, Cumbria Police is asking the public to allow officers the time to carry out their work and establish the factual circumstances of what has occurred and to refrain from unhelpful online speculation. Cumbria Police is keen to hear from anyone with information which may assist – including CCTV and doorbell footage. Anyone with information which may assist this investigation is asked to contact police referencing incident 264 of 12 August 2026. People can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it quoting the incident number, or phone 101.