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Police advise parents after ‘suspicious’ approach to 10-year-old Co Armagh girl

'It's important to stress that any motive here is entirely unknown at this stage'

Police child PSNI stranger

Police are appealing for information after a 10-year-0ld girl was approached hy a man on a bike who allegedly tried to get her to follow him.

The incident  -which police are treating as ‘suspicious activity’ around a child – happened in the Garland Avenue area of Lurgan at around 3.45pm yesterday (Saturday).

The male, police were told, blocked the child’s path with his bicycle.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “The male is alleged to have blocked the path with his bike and, whilst no words were said, he gestured at the child, who took it as a gesture to follow him. He was beside an alleyway when this happened.

“The girl did exactly the right thing, ran home and told her parents.

“There was no effort to follow her, no physical interaction or attempt at it, and no words spoken, so it’s important to stress that any motive here is entirely unknown at this stage.”

The male is described as being in his 20s with a brown beard, wearing dark clothing and a hood up, on a black bicycle.

Police have asked that person that if there was an innocent explanation to get in touch.

The spokesperson added: “It would however be remiss not to use the opportunity to remind kids about stranger danger. Never go with strangers. Never accept gifts or sweets from strangers.  Always tell an adult you know if a stranger tries to make you go with them or offer you gifts. Take the opportunity, have the conversation with your kids now.”

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