A 27-year-old Sudanese national, Abdulmawal Ibrahim Adam, attempted to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in Swindon, Wiltshire, but was thwarted when passengers aboard a passing bus intervened. The incident, which took place on the evening of October 14, 2025, has raised concerns over security and the treatment of illegal migrants in the UK.
The Attempted Kidnapping
The young girl was walking home from work at approximately 9:30 p.m. when Adam, who had been lurking near traffic lights, ran up to her and grabbed her from behind. CCTV footage shows Adam dragging her across the street against her will.
Luckily, a group of stunned bus passengers witnessed the incident and quickly intervened, helping the girl escape. Adam’s actions didn’t stop there, as he tried to approach and speak to a second woman, who managed to get away from him. Adam then attempted to follow a third woman, but witnesses pursued him, capturing footage of the harrowing encounter.
Quick Action by Witnesses
Thanks to the courage of those present, Adam was stopped before the situation escalated further. His attempt at abduction was reported to the police that evening by the victim’s mother, leading to Adam’s arrest the following day.
Detective Constable Anna McCormack of the Criminal Investigation Department praised the public for their swift actions, calling it a “terrifying incident” for the victim. She expressed gratitude toward the witnesses, highlighting that their intervention may have prevented the situation from becoming even worse.
Background on the Perpetrator
Adam arrived in the UK illegally in September 2023, and in November of the same year, he was sentenced to seven months in prison after pleading guilty to arriving without valid entry clearance. After serving his time, he was released, and it remains unclear if there were any conditions tied to his release or whether he is attempting to seek asylum.
Legal Proceedings and Refusal to Cooperate
During his court appearance, Adam refused to engage with the legal process. He did not leave his prison cell on multiple occasions, delaying the proceedings. Judge James Townsend has ordered a pre-sentence report to assess Adam’s background before determining his punishment in December 2025.
Statement from the CPS
Senior Crown Prosecutor Dale Sheehan stated that Adam “preyed on a teenager while she was walking home,” and emphasized that the Crown Prosecution Service is committed to bringing individuals who commit such acts to justice, particularly when it involves violence against women and girls.
Home Office Statement
A Home Office spokesperson echoed the importance of removing foreign nationals who commit crimes in the UK, saying, “When foreign nationals commit serious crimes in our country, we will always do everything in our power to deport them.”
Conclusion
The attempted kidnapping of a young girl in Swindon is a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance, community intervention, and swift police action. The case has also raised crucial questions regarding the treatment of illegal migrants and how the justice system deals with such cases. The victim’s bravery and the quick thinking of bystanders undoubtedly saved her from a much more tragic fate.
