Boy, 2, is snatched from mother

A mother today fought off a man who snatched her two-year-old son as she loaded shopping into her car.

The attacker pounced outside a children's shop in London Road, Croydon, just after 10am. A police officer said: "The woman reacted instantly and grabbed her child back. It was over in seconds."

A Scotland Yard spokeswoman added: "The mother was distressed but fortunately the baby is safe and well."

A 30-year-old man has been arrested for attempted abduction.