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Sisters snatched by bogus policeman after rock concert
Justin Davenport, Crime Correspondent01.08.08
Two sisters suffered a terrifying kidnap ordeal after being held at gunpoint by a man dressed as a police officer.
The women, aged 21 and 27, were held up after attending the Hard Rock Calling concert in Hyde Park featuring Eric Clapton. They were approached as they sat in their purple VW Polo car in Campden Hill Road, Holland Park.
Detectives said the man identified himself as a police officer but when challenged to produce identification he said that under terrorism laws he was entitled to search their vehicle. The man, described as black, aged about 30 and with cropped hair, then got into the car, told them they were under arrest and ordered them to drive to Streatham police station.
As they drove along Sloane Street the man produced a handgun, threatened them and demanded they hand over their credit cards.
At one point the 27-year-old was ordered to bind her sister's wrists with electrical tape. But when they arrived at Streatham, the pair bravely took on the bogus officer and the elder sister snatched the gun, which she realised was a toy. The kidnapper then dragged the pair from the car before speeding off, leaving onlookers to call the real police after the attack on 28 June.
Police today said the man was about 5ft 9in and had facial stubble or a moustache. Detective constable Kristina Godwin, of Notting Hill CID, said: "It is vital we catch this man as soon as possible as he is dangerous, and by posing as a police officer is able to make any potential victims believe he is genuine."
Anyone with information should 020 8246 0144 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
