Following an incident that saw children offered sweets whilst walking home from school in Shanklin, officers from Hampshire Constabulary have revealed that there was ‘no risk’ to those involved.
The South Wight Neighbourhoods Policing team have been investigating a report of a man offering children sweets as they walked through Lower Hyde Holiday Park in Shanklin on Thursday 13th May.
Officers have made enquiries with the holiday park and have identified and spoken with the man in question. On the basis of all the enquiries we have made, police say they are satisfied that this incident was completely innocent and there was no risk presented to these children.
Police say that despite this, the children were nonetheless absolutely right to raise concerns in order to enable them to look into the bigger picture and ensure the public’s safety.
While on this occasion it was entirely innocent, parents are urged to remember that if they ever have concerns about activity in their area, or if something seems suspicious to them, to report this to the police.
The incident comes as several other incidents of children being approached have been reported, including in Newport, Carisbrooke and Sandown, with several Island schools issuing warnings to parents to be ‘vigilant’ – as previously reported by Island Echo.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said:
“We advise people not to speculate on the circumstances online and instead work with us so we can establish the facts.
Article continues below this advertisement “Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour in their area is encouraged to report this to police on 101. Call 999 in the event of an emergency, or if a crime is in progress.”
If you are a parent or carer and are worried about a child, we encourage you to make use of the following resources which offer advice on how to approach the topic of outdoor safety with children: https://clevernevergoes.org/parents-2/.
Who in their right mind would, given 1. recent events and arrests 2. the island’s reputation, offer any kid sweets?
Hi Ally. I agree. It may have been innocent but in this day and age surely anyone with any sense would know it’s questionable behaviour.
Agreed, but some people have never caught up with this day and age.
And some people still believe the facts? Dished out by Island gossips and this rag! Who by and large never apologise for “waffle” and then blame on “sources” The Island gossip squad.
Someone that’s not in their right mind perhaps?
Another Hampshire Constabulary wightwash. Have never heard such a load of flannel. Nobody in their their right mind would be so daft as to offer children sweets in this unfortunate day and age. Another case of ‘cuff a job’ by Hampshire’s “finest”?