On 7 July 2023, in the Dogsthorpe area of Peterborough, Zeshaan Tariq, aged 28 from Meadow Grove, Welland, engaged in predatory behaviour targeting young girls. Driving his VW Golf, Tariq first approached a 10-year-old girl walking to her mother's workplace around 3.30pm. He pulled up beside her and demanded she get into his car. When she refused, he became verbally aggressive, prompting her to run away in fear. Tariq pursued her on foot until she reached a group of people, where she was crying and seeking help.
Less than an hour later, at approximately 4pm, Tariq targeted his second victim, a 12-year-old girl who had just alighted from a bus. He approached her, warning her against walking along Redmile Walk due to 'bad people' there, and falsely claimed she would be safe in his car. Pretending to be a relative, he said, 'Come with your uncle, I’m your uncle,' which convinced the girl to enter the back of his vehicle despite him being a stranger. Tariq then drove to a secluded spot, parked the car, and moved to the back seat. He offered her a fizzy drink, which she later described to police as tasting 'funny'—with a bottle of vodka also found in the car, suggesting possible tampering.
Once in the back, Tariq touched the girl inappropriately and proceeded to sexually assault her. The victim pleaded to be let out, but Tariq refused, detaining her against her will. After a struggle, the 12-year-old managed to escape the vehicle. Distraught and crying, she sought help from a member of the public who immediately called 999. Tariq followed her briefly but fled upon seeing the intervention.
Police investigations, including CCTV footage, led to Tariq's arrest two days later on 9 July 2023 in Welland Road, Peterborough. He was apprehended while driving his disqualified vehicle without insurance. A search of his phone revealed recent Google searches such as 'how to lure a child to a car,' providing alarming insight into his intentions. Officers also recovered the fizzy drink bottle and vodka from his car.
Tariq was charged with kidnap, attempted kidnap, and sexual assault. He stood trial at Cambridge Crown Court and was found guilty in March 2024. On 5 May 2024, Judge Bishop sentenced him to eight years and nine months in prison, describing him as 'every parent’s worst nightmare.' The judge highlighted Tariq's internet search history as evidence of his dangerous predispositions, stating, 'Society rightly worries about the fact that children do not play outside, you are the reason for that change of concern. This proves it is rare, but real. You are an extremely dangerous individual.' An extended licence period of three years was imposed, along with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Additionally, Tariq admitted to two counts of driving while disqualified, receiving six points on his licence and a further driving ban of eight years and eight months.
Detective Constable Claire Atkinson, who led the investigation for Cambridgeshire Police, commended the victims' bravery, saying, 'Tariq has proven to be a very dangerous man who poses a clear risk to children. The victims have been very brave in reporting their ordeals. I am pleased he has faced justice and will be closely monitored for the rest of his life.' The case underscores the real threats posed to children in public spaces, as reported by the Hunts Post and Ely Standard.