Witnesses: Noninvolvement, British Style

On a busy street in Portsmouth, England, the usual swell of pedestrians was going about the business of the day when suddenly some men appeared dragging a 13-year-old girl. She fought and screamed, begging for help as the men forced her into a car. No one did anything; some of the pedestrians did not even stop walking. When the car finally sped away with its captive, not one of the bystanders even took down the license. number. "Yes, I heard the girl screaming," said one man later. "But I didn't take any notice."

Last week some Britons took notice.

The incident...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!