Hunt for stranger intensifies after reports another child has been targeted
Police have renewed appeals for
information on a series of attempted accostings after revealing
another child has been targeted.
Schools in Dartford were
put on red alert earlier this week after reports children were
being approached by a stranger in a car.
Police in north Kent believe the
attempted accostings, which involve young boys and girls aged eight
to 12, are linked.
And now officers have revealed
details of another fourth child to have been
approached.
The incidents took place
between Wednesday, January 13, and Saturday, January 30, in Joydens
Wood, Northfleet, Gravesend and Dartford.
The latest to come to
light involved a 12-year-old boy, who was approached on his
way home from school in Gravesend on Friday, January
22.
Two of the other four incidents
also saw youngsters approached on their way to and from
school.
In each case the children were
unharmed and the driver, described as being white and in his 30s,
drove off.
Police say
they have increased their presence around schools and
have been dropping off information leaflets containing the facts of
the incidents and a number for people to call if they have any
information.
Detective Inspector Chris
Collier, who is leading the investigation, said: "Firstly I would
like to thank everyone who has been in contact with information
concerning these incidents.
"We had concerns there may have
been other linked incidents which had not been reported to
us.
If anyone has any information
which may help police with their inquiries they should
call Det Insp Collier on 01474 366098 or Kent Crimestoppers,
anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Tuesday, February 02 2010