The 15-year-old’s screams alerted a witness
17:34, 20 May 2026Updated 20:39, 20 May 2026
Bradgate Road, Bowdon, Altrincham (stock image)(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
A teenage girl was bundled into a vehicle in a ‘random’ suspected abduction in an Altrincham suburb. Police have a suspect in custody following the terrifying incident in Bowdon.
The girl reported being threatened with a knife during a seven-hour ordeal. The 15-year-old was snatched on Monday evening (May 18). She was found in the early hours Tuesday (May 19) in a hotel car park in Knutsford, Cheshire.
The victim, it is understood, was forced into a vehicle on Bradgate Road, Bowdon, at around 6.45pm as she walked alone. She was reported missing at around 9pm.
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Police issued an alert for a specific vehicle after a witness was able to report the registration plate having heard the girl’s screams.
Cheshire cops found the vehicle on a car park at the Cottons Hotel and Spa in the early hours. The teenager was inside. A man was arrested at the scene.
Cottons Hotel and Spa, Knutsford (stock image)(Image: Jason Roberts / Manchester Evening News)
In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “Working alongside Cheshire Police, we have arrested a man on suspicion of abduction after a teenage girl was reported missing from Altrincham on Monday 18 May.
“A 56‑year‑old man was arrested in the early hours of 19 May on Manchester Road, Knutsford, and remains in custody for further questioning.
“The incident is believed to have occurred on Bradgate Road, Altrincham at around 7pm. Specialist officers are supporting the girl and her family.
“There is no wider risk to the public. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.
“Anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has any footage from the area is urged to contact police on 101 or via LiveChat on our website, quoting log 3609 of 18/05/2026.
“Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
The man arrested was a white male, Greater Manchester Police said. Detectives have been granted an extension to keep the suspect in custody for further questioning.
It is understood the incident is being treated as random and that the teenager is not known to the suspect.