Kent Police have launched an appeal for information after a suspicious incident where a school-age girl reported being potentially grabbed by one of three men at Tonbridge Cemetery on Monday evening. The incident occurred around 5pm on Monday, September 29, 2025, while the girl, who is of secondary school age, was walking her dog through the cemetery.
She reported seeing a group of three men running towards her from the entrance next to Welland Road. The girl claims she then felt someone possibly grab her arm. In response, she immediately ran through the cemetery toward the Darenth Avenue exit. The child made it home safely, and her concerns were promptly reported to Kent Police. Officers are now urging anyone who was in the area and may have witnessed the incident, or who has any information regarding the three men, to come forward immediately.
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 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 important to add that we are also aware of rumours in the community connecting this reported incident to an ice cream van which was parked next to the cemetery gates. We have established that this vehicle is not believed to be linked in any way.’
Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/169502/25.