Parents in fear over attempts to abduct children

Parents in fear over attempts to abduct children

10 May 2023

TWO Downpatrick primary schools have warned parents to be vigilant after two suspected child abduction attempts in the town.

Staff at the schools have urged parents to warn their children about the risk posed by strangers after the suspicious incidents on Wednesday and Thursday of last week.

It is understood that in the first incident last Wednesday, two women attempted to entice a young boy and girl who were playing at a housing development into a car.

The second incident is believed to have occurred at the Saul Road area 24 hours later when two men attempted to entice another child into a car.

In a message to parents, one school principal said it was important to alert them of the reports so they can remain vigilant and put in place the necessary safeguarding arrangements with their children.

The principal also confirmed that police had been informed about the incident and children would be reminded of so-called stranger danger messages.

Its understood that in the first incident, one of the women told the children they had been sent by their mothers to collect them.

Two males are reported to have been involved in the Saul Road incident.

One school principal’s message last Thursday read: “I received another report today that two women had attempted to entice two children into a car within the Downpatrick area yesterday evening.

“I do feel it is important to alert you so that you remain vigilant and put in place the necessary safeguarding arrangements with your child.

“Once again I have alerted the PSNI regarding the incident and children will receive a reminder of the stranger danger messages within school today and at tomorrow’s assembly.”

The other primary school’s message to children also urged parents to be vigilant.

It said it had been notified of a suspicious approach made by two female adults in a car to Year 1 pupils and their friends while playing at home.

“Please be vigilant and remind all children of stranger danger,” the message to parents added.

A police spokesman confirmed on Monday that a report had been received about a suspicious male in the Killough Road area of the town on Thursday, April 27, and that enquiries were continuing.

Anyone with concerns about approaches made to children is being urged to contact police or provide information via the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.