Man Charged With Rape And Kidnap Of Teenage Girl In Mitcham

A man has been charged today with the rape and kidnap of a teenage girl in Mitcham.

Kadian Nelson, aged 26, was arrested on Tuesday 3rd November after the alleged attack took place in North Place, Mitcham, at 7am.

Officers said they were naming the accused "for his own safety," in an unusual step, after a video was widely circulated online.

MET Police)

They also urged the public not to "take the law into your own hands" after vigilantes were seen flocking to look for Nelson in the area following the video's release.

CCTV footage shows the young girl - who was on her way to school - being followed down the street by a man in a hood.

A video captured on a mobile, and then shared on social media, then shows Nelson walking away with the girl, before the woman filming it comes to her aid and he flees.

He was later arrested at around 8pm in Tooting, and is due to appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court today.

Before Nelson's arrest, a Section 60 order was authorised throughout the boroughs of Merton and Wandsworth, which granted police additional stop and search powers in order to capture him.

Detective Superintendent Owain Richards said: "I am appealing directly to Kadian to attend his nearest police station immediately, or to call police and inform us as to his whereabouts.

"This is for his safety, as well as members of the public. I recognise that this is a shocking and distressing incident and emotions locally are running very high.

"We are of course aware of videos and images circulating on social media, and of groups of people attending various addresses.

"I urge those people to go home."

PA)

He added: "Do not try to take the law into your own hands or you may end up doing something you regret and potentially face police action yourself.

"You must allow us to do our jobs. It is imperative that we follow the right processes as we investigate this incident as any interference could potentially affect proceedings further down the line."

The girl, whose age hasn't been disclosed, is being looked after by officers following the incident, as are her family.

She confirmed to police she was attacked by Nelson at around 7am.

Any witnesses can call police on 101 ref CAD 1063/3 Nov or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman