[Sundae]

The problem with conducting the "experiment" close to Victoria Coach Station, is that it's a notorious area for pickpockets, beggars and scammers. The sad truth is that children have always been used in distraction-style robberies. Also, the team must have had clearance to film - I doubt a child alone on the street in the same place for long would not attract the attention of the police in real life.

I can't say about the American video of course. But I wonder if some of the reactions are again more to do with fear of crime/ being hustled than they are about fear of being labelled a paedophile.

Regardless of the above, yes I think I would have stopped.
Or at least gone back a few minutes later to check on what I thought I'd seen.
It's hard sometimes, if you're in a busy area, in a rush, on a schedule. I have approached children before, although they have been visibly distressed. Usually a querying look and a thumbs up is enough to establish whether a child is really lost or has just been having a tantrum. Asking a child if they are okay in a kind voice takes seconds, and cannot possibly pose any danger to anyone.