A MAN posing as a police officer has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a teenage girl.

       The 14-year-old was on her way to school on October 13 when she was forced off the main road and had her clothing searched.

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       A man impersonating a police officer has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a schoolgirl (stock image) Credit: Alamy

       The stranger, who was wearing a yellow hi-vis jacket when he approached the schoolgirl, then cycled off.

       Police say he approached the girl in the Three Bridges area of Crawley, West Sussex, just after 8am.

       A 32-year-old man was yesterday arrested on suspicion of kidnap and impersonating a cop.

       He remains in custody for further questioning.

       The teen is "safe and unharmed" and is receiving support from officers.

       Do you have any information or did you see what happened? Email alice.fuller@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.

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       Superintendent Marc Clothier said: "We understand that this arrest will impact communities.

       "We want to reassure people we have not received any similar reports at this time and there is no current risk to anyone in the community in relation to this case.

       "You will see more uniformed patrols in the area, and we encourage you to stop and talk to us if you have any concerns."

       He also urged anyone with information to call 101 quoting Operation Lonsdale.

       It comes just weeks after Met Police officer Wayne Couzens was jailed for life for the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard.

       The twisted ex-cop handcuffed the 33-year-old in a fake Covid arrest as she walked home from a friend's house in Clapham, south London.

       Following his sentencing, police sparked fury after urging women to "flag down a bus" if approached by a lone male cop.

       Scotland Yard released a new strategy aimed to protect women, which included "running into a house", "waving down a bus", and "shouting out to a passer-by".

       The guidance has sparked outrage, with many branding it "deeply insulting" and "derisory".

       Labour MP Wes Streeting said: "Apparently bus drivers should stop if someone is waving them down in the street away from a bus stop, just in case, because that’s a better answer than the Met getting their act together?!

       "The more ministers and the Met are saying, the less reassuring they are. Utterly woeful".

       LONE COP ADVICE

       Following the Crawley man's arrest, Sussex Police issued advice on what to look out for if approached by someone claiming to be a cop.

       Superintendent Clothier said: "We understand some people may want additional reassurance when interacting with a lone police officer and when you are alone.

       "If this is the case, genuine officers can use their police radio on loudspeaker to talk to the operator in the police control room.

       "The operator can confirm the identity of the officer, that they are on duty and carrying out legitimate policing business.

       "You can also ask a passer-by to observe.

       "Off-duty officers intervening in a crime in action or where someone is vulnerable, and not carrying a radio, will quickly call 999 for back up."