A man has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnap following a police response to an incident at a splash pad in one of Cardiff’s busiest parks.
South Wales Police were called to Victoria Park in the Canton area at around 12:00 BST on Thursday after receiving multiple reports of a man acting suspiciously around children at the park’s splash pad — a free summer attraction that draws hundreds of families each day.
The man, identified as 34-year-old Moynul Janu, who has no fixed address, was arrested at the scene. Officers conducted a search after witnesses expressed concern that he may have been photographing or recording children, but no such devices were found in his possession.
Despite the absence of photographic equipment, police have charged Janu with two counts of attempted kidnap and two public order offences. He has been remanded in custody while the investigation continues.
In a statement, South Wales Police confirmed: “Officers responded swiftly to reports of concerning behaviour at Victoria Park in Canton. A man was arrested and has since been charged with attempted kidnap and public order offences. We want to reassure the public that this is being taken very seriously.”
The park was not evacuated, but several parents chose to leave the area shortly after officers arrived. One mother, who had been at the splash pad with her two children, said:
“There was a lot of concern among the parents. We didn’t know what was going on at first, but we saw police speaking with a man and then searching him.”
Victoria Park, located in the western part of Cardiff, is a Grade II listed site that dates back to 1897. It was one of the first parks in the UK to benefit from a Heritage Lottery Fund restoration grant, awarded in 1995.
The splash pad — a modern, child-friendly water play area — is a popular feature of the park and typically opens for the summer season in late May or early June.
Cardiff Council, which manages the park, declined to comment on the ongoing police matter but said it is “working closely with authorities to ensure the continued safety of all park visitors.”
Local residents expressed shock at the incident. “Victoria Park has always felt safe — it’s really shaken us,” said one father who brings his children to the splash pad regularly.
Police have urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any relevant information to come forward. “Community safety is our priority, and we are committed to ensuring public spaces remain secure for everyone,” the police statement added.
Moynul Janu remains in custody and is expected to appear in court in the coming days.
