Detectives are investigating an “attempted child abduction” after a woman picked up a toddler at the luxury Cliveden House last month.

Police say a woman picked up another woman’s two-year-old girl while visiting the tourist site at 10am on Tuesday, September 4.

The attempted abduction - which was reported to police yesterday - is said to have taken place near the children’s play area.

Fortunately the child was not hurt during the incident.

The woman involved is described as white, in her thirties to early forties, of slim to medium build, with dark brown hair which was tied up in a ponytail, and was wearing patterned woven trousers.

Police say it is not clear if the woman attempted to leave the play area with the child, adding “there could be a completely innocent explanation”.

Detective Sergeant Kerry Bradfield said: “We are investigating this incident and keeping an open mind about the woman’s motivation.

“It is not clear if she attempted to leave the area with the child or there could be a completely innocent explanation. However due to the nature of the allegation we need to work to establish the circumstances and would like to trace the woman involved.

“I’m aware that there are a number of reports posted on social media however these all appear to relate to the same incident and we do not believe there to be a series of similar incidents.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident they should contact police via our non-emergency number, 101.”

Anyone with details that could help with the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting the reference 43180321639.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.