Police probe attempt to abduct teens

Police probe attempt to abduct teens

16 January 2019

POLICE are investigating reports of a third attempted abduction attempt in the district in recent weeks.

Following previous incidents in Downpatrick and Newcastle, police have confirmed they are investigating reports that two men tried to entice two teenagers — a boy and a girl —  into a car at the Belfast Road area in Downpatrick last Friday afternoon.

Two weeks ago, a man was arrested following reports of a suspicious approach to two young girls at the Fountain Street area in Downpatrick before he was released on bail pending further enquiries.

And on Tuesday morning of last week, it was reported that an 11 year-old boy was approached by a man at the Shimna Road in Newcastle who reportedly asked the child to get into the vehicle so he could take him to school.

Last Friday’s incident in Downpatrick prompted parents to take to social media to warn children not to talk to strangers and if they are walking to or from school, to do so with a group of friends.

It is understood the two teenagers approached in Downpatrick were making their way to a bus stop at the Belfast Road when a car containing two men, believed to be foreign nationals, stopped and asked them to get in.

The young girl managed to board an approaching bus, while the boy who was with her ran to his school to inform teachers what had happened and they immediately contacted police.

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, who is related to one of the children who was approached last Friday, said there was mounting concern about the increase in reported incidents of children being approached by strangers.

“Reports of what has happened over recent weeks are worrying and my advice to parents is to be vigilant and reinforce the message to their children that they should not talk to strangers,” he said.

“The children had just left school and were making their way to a bus stop when the car stopped with them last Friday afternoon,” he said.

“It is my understanding that one of the two men used language of a sexual nature as they tried to entice them into the vehicle.”

Cllr Walker said the parents of one of the children involved contacted him and were extremely concerned, given that there have been reports of two other similar incidents in the area.

“The pupils were extremely frightened when the two men approached them and they did the right thing by getting away as quickly as they could. It is deeply worrying that we should have three incidents of a similar nature in as many weeks,” he continued.

“I hope parents and indeed local schools will reinforce the importance of children not talking to strangers. I also know that the PSNI takes reports of these incidents very seriously and will do all it can to investigate them thoroughly. It is worrying that children are being approached in this way and if anyone can help police with their enquiries they must come forward.”

He added: “I encourage everyone to be extremely vigilant at this time and hope there will be no repeat of worrying approaches to children. We all need to do what we can to help police with their enquiries into these issues. Those responsible need to be apprehended.”

A PSNI spokesman confirmed yesterday that officers were working to establish the circumstances surrounding a suspicious incident at the Belfast Road area Downpatrick last Friday afternoon involving two teenagers.

Officers probing the recent incidents in Downpatrick and Newcastle are keen to hear from anyone who may be able to help assist them with their enquiries.

Anyone who believes they can help are asked to contact the PSNI on the non-emergency 101 number. Information can also be passed on using the confidential Crimestoppers number 0800 555111.