“Our schools do an excellent job in educating children on personal safety and I know the community will work together to ensure this message is reinforced”
An investigation has been launched following reports of suspicious approaches towards two children in a Co Down town.
Police are investigating the incidents which took place in the Spa Road area of Ballynahinch on Thursday, May 28, when an “unknown individual” approached two schoolchildren and offered to give them lifts home.
The reports have caused concern in the area with local DUP councillor Alan Lewis calling for increased police patrols and greater community awareness.
Councillor Lewis said: “Thankfully the children involved did exactly the right thing. They continued on their journey, did not engage and immediately made adults aware of what had happened.
“While there is no cause for alarm, incidents of this nature are understandably concerning for parents and the wider community. It is important that they are treated seriously and that appropriate steps are taken to provide reassurance.”
He said: “I will be engaging directly with PSNI and other relevant agencies to ensure every possible step is taken to reassure families. I would encourage parents to take the opportunity to speak with their children about road safety, stranger awareness and the importance of reporting any incident that makes them feel uncomfortable.
“Our schools do an excellent job in educating children on personal safety and I know the community will work together to ensure this message is reinforced.”
A PSNI spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Police received a report of a suspected suspicious approach towards two children in the Spa Road area of Ballynahinch on Thursday afternoon, 28th May.
“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information, or who witnessed what happened, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 1420 28/05/26.”
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