AN ATTEMPTED child abduction is being investigated at a High Wycombe supermarket yesterday as police attempt to trace three women.

At around 3.40pm yesterday, a woman was shopping in Sainsbury’s on Oxford Road with her two-year-old son and ten-month-old daughter, who were both sitting in her trolley.

Three women approached and asked the age her two children, before lifting the girl from the trolley and walking away.

The mother then took back hold of her daughter and called the police. The girl was not injured during the incident.

However, police say there may be an innocent explanation and that there was not necessarily any criminal intent.

The three women are of South-East Asian appearance.

The first woman was in her mid-thirties, of slim build, with straight brown hair. She was wearing a black top with an animal print on the front, trousers and glasses. She was also carrying a brown handbag.

The second woman was in her mid forties to early fifties and was wearing a horizontal striped top, trousers and a straw hat.

The third woman is also in her mid forties and was wearing white blouse, a turquoise and blue cardigan, and shorts. She was carrying a shoulder bag.

Police believe that the women stayed in the store following the incident.

Investigating officer, Det Insp Andrew Williams said: “Although we are investigating the incident as an attempted abduction, it is possible that there is an innocent explanation for this incident and that no criminal offences have been committed.

“We would appeal for the three women to contact the police so we can discuss the matter."

If anyone has any information about the incident then please contact the Thames Valley Police Enquiry Centre on 101.

If you don't want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org