Two adolescent males have been apprehended after a young girl was reportedly coerced into a vehicle in a Tesco parking lot. The Essex Police disclosed that a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old were taken into custody on suspicion of false imprisonment, later being released on bail pending further investigation.

The incident occurred around 6:50 pm on August 3 at the Minton Lane car park at Tesco. Subsequently, the vehicle proceeded to Epping, where the girl disembarked in Buckingham Road, near the junction with Lower Swaines, around 7:30 pm as per the girl’s account to the authorities.

Law enforcement expressed gratitude to the public for aid in the inquiry and issued a plea for more information. DS Paul Marks, in an updated statement, acknowledged the community’s concerns and appreciated those who had provided details. He stated, “Based on our current investigations, we do not perceive a continuing threat to the general public. The victim is receiving ongoing support from specialized personnel while our inquiries persist.”

Individuals possessing information, CCTV footage, dashcam recordings, or any relevant evidence concerning the occurrence are urged to contact the police, referencing incident number 1362 of August 3.