Tonbridge officers are appealing for information following a suspicious incident involving a child at a cemetery.
At around 5 pm on Monday, 29 September 2025, a girl of secondary school age was walking with her dog through Tonbridge Cemetery when she saw a group of three men running in her direction from an entrance next to Welland Road.
It is reported that the girl felt someone possibly grab her arm, and she responded by running through the cemetery towards an exit for Darenth Avenue.
The child made her way home, and her concerns were reported to Kent Police.
DI Zara McAiney said:
‘At this stage, we have not identified any offences, and there may be an entirely innocent explanation; however, we remain keen to speak to anyone who may be able to assist with our enquiries.
‘This includes speaking to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and also asking for people living nearby to check doorbell cameras or CCTV, which may show the movements of the child and other people heading towards or leaving the cemetery.‘
It is also important to note that we are aware of rumours circulating in the community linking this reported incident to an ice cream van that was parked next to the cemetery gates. We have established that this vehicle is not believed to be connected in any way.’
Can you help?
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/169502/25.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by the individuals highlighted on this website, please report them to the Police on 101 (999 in an emergency) or visit their online resources for further details on reporting a crime. You can also report to Crimestoppers if you wish to remain completely anonymous. There is help available on our support links page.