Parents have spoken of their terror after two men attempted to grab a toddler in High Wycombe at the weekend. 

A woman was walking with her two-year-old daughter in an alleyway next to Warren Wood Drive, at the junction of Keep Hill Road, at around 2.45pm on Saturday, when two men approached them.

As the men walked past, one tried to take the toddler’s hand and lead her away before her mother pulled her back.

The shocking attempted kidnap happened just yards away from the popular park The Rye, where families were enjoying a day out.

Parents who were at the park on Wednesday afternoon basking in the hot weather said the terrifying incident had left them fearful of their children’s safety – especially as summer approaches.

Leanne Vaux, who was at The Rye with her young daughter, said: “It is not nice hearing about something like that happening here. I never let my daughter out of my sight when we’re out, but some parents do let their children wander off. It’s really scary.

“The area where it happened is the target area for people who want to do things like that because it’s dark due to the trees and less busy than over near the park. It is really worrying.”

Another mother, who did not want to be named, had not been aware of the attack and said she was terrified to learn what had happened.

She said: “I’m absolutely shocked – we come here a lot with my daughter and this has really worried me. I hope they catch who did it. It’s awful.”

The news has also shaken High Wycombe residents who shared their “disgust” at the incident on social media.

Kirsty Harper said: “God that’s awful. Imagine if there was no parent there watching. It only takes a minute. So scary – poor kids never going to be allowed out alone.” 

Both men have been described as possibly being eastern European. The first man was described as white with a tanned complexion, in his mid-30s, 6ft tall and of muscular build. He had short brown hair and was wearing a white t-shirt.

The second man was also described as white with a tanned complexion, in his mid-30s, 6ft tall and of a muscular build – possibly a body-builder. He had short brown hair and was wearing a black t-shirt.

Anyone who might have seen the men or have any information about the incident is being urged to call detective sergeant Steve Fox in Force CID, based at High Wycombe police station, on 101 quoting crime reference number 43180111826.