A would-be kidnapper is facing jail after he posed as an undercover police officer while attempting to snatch six schoolgirls aged between 11 and 13.

Abdi Waise, 28 of Kenneth Robbins House, Tottenham, was found guilty of one count of kidnap and five counts of attempted kidnap at Wood Green Crown Court today (Wednesday July 13).

The court heard how on over the space of about two and a half hours on Monday, 18 January, Waise made his way to the Crouch End area, where he approached six school girls.

Between 7.53am and 9.10am, Waise made six attempts to snatch young girls, attempting a ruse in which he claimed he was a police officer.

In one instance, he approached a girl, claimed to be a police officer and stated he knew the girl's mother and that she had said it was ok to go to his house to have breakfast with him.

The girl became increasingly concerned as Waise controlled her journey, before she attempted to run off. Waise pulled her back and continued in his efforts to get her to come with him.

The girl was later able to spot an opportunity to escape and ran off. She made it into school and told a teacher.

On January 19, plain clothes officers stopped and searched Waise in Sydney Road, N8. He was arrested after they found two small bottles of isopropyl nitrate on him.

Whilst in custody he was further arrested for the attempted abductions as he fitted the description, was in the area of the offences and had possession of isopropyl nitrate as described by the witnesses.

DCI Paul Trevers, from Haringey CID, who led the investigation, said: "Waise went out with the plan of abducting a girl.

“He made concerted and increasingly desperate attempts over the course of about two and half hours.

"When deception didn't work, he became increasingly forceful. Fortunately all the girls saw through his ruse, and whilst frightened all made it away safely.

"I want to praise the incredibly brave children involved in this matter - both victims and witnesses.

They have gone through a very frightening ordeal and shown immense courage, not only at the time of the offences but also when forced to relive their experiences during the trial process.

"Offences such as these are extremely rare, and due to our increased and proactive police operation out on the streets Waise was caught within 24 hours."

Waise will be sentenced on July 21 at Wood Green Crown Court.