Strangers target school children

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Police in the Glasgow area are investigating four incidents in which primary age children were approached by an adult they did not know.

Officers said the youngsters, aged between eight and 10, thought that the stranger wanted to take them away.

None of the children was physically harmed and none accompanied the adult.

The incidents took place in Kingspark, Rutherglen and East Kilbride. Police said there was no evidence at this stage to connect the cases.

In the first, which took place mid-afternoon on 27 August, an eight-year-old girl was spoken to by an adult in Kingspark.

CCTV footage is being examined and high visibility police patrols are being conducted in the target areas Det Ch Insp Neil Thomson

On the afternoon of 29 August, near to Bankhead Primary School in Bankhead Road Rutherglen, a nine-year-old boy was approached by an adult who engaged him in conversation.

At about 1630 BST on 1 September, a 10-year-old girl was approached by a stranger in Turnberry Place, East Kilbride.

And on 2 September 2008, at about 0850 BST, a 10-year-old boy was spoken to by a stranger outside Calderwood Primary School in Rutherglen.

Since the first incident, both detective and uniform officers have been carrying out extra patrols.

Det Ch Insp Neil Thomson who is in charge of this investigation said: "I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that child protection is a very high priority and everything possible is being done to trace whoever is responsible for these incidents.

THE INCIDENTS IN DETAIL 27 August, mid-afternoon - Eight-year-old girl approached in Kingshouse Avenue, Kingspark29 August, afternoon - Nine-year-old boy approached near Bankhead Primary, Rutherglen1 September, 1630 BST - 10-year-old girl approached in Turnberry Place, East Kilbride2 September, 0850 BST - 10-year-old boy approached outside Calderwood Primary, Rutherglen

"At this time, there is nothing definite to link any of the incidents due to a number of factors. One being, conflicting reports of descriptions of those involved. However, this has no impact on how serious these allegations are being treated."

He added that officers were working closely with education officials.

Schools have now sent warning letters to parents in the affected areas.

Det Ch Insp Thomson said: "CCTV footage is being examined and high visibility police patrols are being conducted in the target areas.

"These incidents are being treated very seriously. Fortunately no child has ever been touched or any attempt made to force them to go away with the adult or into a vehicle. I would commend the children on their common sense by running away and not talking to these strangers.

"If any parent has been told by their children of any stranger speaking to or befriending them on their way to or from school, I ask them to contact the police. I also ask anyone who has noticed adults hanging around near schools or behaving in a suspicious manner to come forward."