UPDATED: An investigation has been launched after an unknown man is said to have approached a young girl during break time at a Newport school yesterday (Thursday).
The incident happened at Summerfields Primary School on Atkinson Drive in Newport during a break period, when it is reported a man approached the female pupil asking her to get closer to him.
IslandEcho understand the suspicious character was hiding in nearby trees behind a fence.
The worrying incident didn’t come to light until the child, who Island Echo are not naming, told her parents after the school day had finished. The parents subsequently reported the situation to Police and the school, who have now launched an enquiry.
UPDATE @ 16:45 – Police have spoken in detail with the 6-year-old child and her parents and are now satisfied that no criminal offence has taken place.
Inspector Terry Clawson of Newport Police Station said:
“Reports of this nature are clearly worrying for parents, but please be reassured that we take them extremely seriously and will investigate them fully.
“Officers and PCSOs from dedicated local Safer Neighbourhoods teams will be patrolling the area speak with parents, children and teachers, and provide information and advice.
Article continues below this advertisement “We would like to thank the staff of Summerfield Primary School for their assistance in this matter.”
Note from the editor:
“Incidents like this are often very worrying for parents, especially parents of younger children. Island Echo decided to highlight this incident in order to give parents and carers an advanced warning should this have turned out to be a criminal invesitgation.
“Thankfully, on this occasion, there is nothing to worry about.
“We understand a lot of our readers have taken this opportunity to speak to their children about ‘Stranger Danger’ which is of course a positive action.”
