Children are being urged to take extra caution when walking alone following a suspicious incident in Newport earlier this week in which a child was supposedly approached by a group of men in a 4×4. It was reported on social media that a child was approached by a vehicle in Pan on Thursday afternoon, with 1 of the occupants of the vehicle getting out of the car and chasing the child down the street. The original Facebook post was shared numerous times with concerned parents worried that an incident of a similar nature may happen to their child. It is understood that the matter was reported to Police and officers searched the local area, but were unable to find anyone matching the description given. However, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has confirmed that – despite information Island Echo has received from a parent involved to the contrary – no such incident took place and that the case is now closed. A spokesperson from Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary has said:
“Following inquiries, including speaking to the child involved, it has been confirmed that no such incident took place.”
I’ve always been skeptical of stories like this. I think a group of men would be able to kidnap a child, compared to the odds that a small child could escape
Urban legends. We had loads of similar stories when we were kids in the 70s. If ever you walked past a phone box and the phone was ringing, you had to run like hell. Everyone knew that if you did answer, the voice on the other end would say “I will kill you” and some kids had actually died after making the big mistake of answering. Some kid would claim to know an actual person who died. And God help anyone who wanted to a live a quiet life because kids would make up stories about them being devil worshippers, murderers, or child molesters. Every empty house was obviously haunted and some kids would have seen the ghost. All a load of nonsense but young kids would believe anything. The kids making up the lies had a great time.
Following inquiries, including speaking to the child involved, it has been confirmed that no such incident took place.”
Why report on something that didn’t take place?
So a child bought up on benefits has cost the country even more wasting police time.
The child’s mother and maybe the‘father’ if known or still around needs to be questioned and monitored as a normal, loved and cared for child would not make up such lies.
Seems it a cry for attention which is likely lacking at home, IF as many children are there, only here to gain a free rent, c tax , and generous benefits for the parent, or more rarely the parents.
Let’s hope this doesn’t put off genuine cases coming forward.
Did you used to be ivy searle? If not, you were made for each other!
jeez kevin – I guess you don’t have kids – I know plenty who came from two parent homes, both working, no benefits and are lazy liars, although they do work
So do you know the child and parents in regards to this post that you are so quick to judge????? I think not!! But guess what? I DO KNOW THEM!! And you couldn’t be more WRONG!! take your judgement some where else!!
Kevin p Cook you actually know nothing I am the father of said child and can I ask before you post your opinion can you get your facts right first you know nothing about said child or parents
I’m one of the parents and the police are LYING. They “need evidence”, not the word of a frightened child. Even though it’s happened to multiple children in Newport. This news story is a lie and you’re putting children in danger saying this. Please everyone be aware.
Sounds like a load of lying kids or mass hysteria fueled by paranoid parents. Kids do tell lies sometimes. Often to get some attention or just to follow the crowd.
Rubbish they would investigate if a frightened child or anyone reported, just that story doesn’t fit the allegations. Child was chased on Pan and no one else witnessed?. Why did they chase?, did kid do something they shouldn’t?. Yes police can only work with evidence,but suggesting they are lieing. 90% of everything on Facebook is a lie anyhow. Just saying it was a black 4×4 with black windows – all 3 men sat in front?. Now any guy in black 4×4 could be targeted but totally innocent. Teach children to not go with strangers and to scream stop or help.
Hi Ian can you message me on Facebook in regards to what you know about this incident as I’m also another parent and would like to know more thanks