A user of the urban75 bulletin boards has posted up details of a rather disturbing message he was sent from his child’s primary school – and we we thought it might be prudent to pass it on.
My youngest’s primary school have just sent out the following text to parents:
URGENT – We have been informed of 3 incidents in Lambeth of a man asking pupils to get into his car. Please take extra care.
The warning was issued by Hitherfield Primary School in Streatham.
We’ll add more details if we get any. Please use the comments box below if you have any further information.
If you hear or see anything related to these incidents, please call the police on 999.
UPDATE 22nd Jan 17:00: BBC news is reporting that a man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted child abduction in Lambeth
The Met Police issued a statement yesterday (24th Jan):
Lambeth Appeals
Police investigate following concerns by parents
21 January 2015Appeal type: Crime
Incident Date: January 2015
Incident Location: Lambeth, SE11Description
Detectives in Lambeth are investigating three separate reports of a man or men approaching school children and suggesting the children go with them.
The first incident occurred on Thursday, 15 January at around 17:00hrs in Sancroft Street, SE11, where a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man.
The second incident took place on Tuesday, 20 January at around 07:20hrs in Kennington Lane, SE11. On this occasion an 11-year-old girl was approached by two men who were believed to be driving a white car.
The third incident occurred today, Wednesday, 21 January at around 08:30hrs also in Kennington Lane, SE11, where a 16-year-old girl was approached by a man.
Detectives are linking the incidents based on the similarities of all three but at this stage do not have a definitive description of the man/men or the vehicle involved.
Officers are actively engaging with local schools and are asking and parents/carers to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to the police.
Patrols in the local area have been increased both before and after school whilst enquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Nick Collins, from Lambeth Borough, said: “Officers from Lambeth are currently investigating the incidents and are still trying to determine whether the same man or men were involved in all three.
“Whilst we do not wish to cause alarm I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.
“I understand that the community will be concerned about these recent incidents and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are treating this extremely seriously.
“Officers are working hard to identify the suspect/s wanted and enquiries into these incidents continue.
“As a precaution we have increased patrols in the area and are talking to local schools. I would also ask parents and carers to take the opportunity to remind their children how to stay safe and not to go with strangers.”