Calls for vigilance following reports of suspicious approach to a child in Draperstown

Rumours have escalated of a second suspicious approach to a child in the Mid Ulster area.

Fears have been growing after it was reported that a child was allegedly approached by a man, while playing in the garden of its home at the Cahore Road, Draperstown on Tuesday evening.

It is understood that the blue-coloured car drove past the Draperstown home slowly before reversing into the gates and offering the child a lift.  

This incident is believed to have occurred the day before a two year-old child was approached by a man in the Ballinderry and Coagh area.

A police spokesperson confirmed this afternoon: “Police received a report of alleged suspicious activity at the Cahore Road, Draperstown on Tuesday, May 27.

“However at this stage, no offence is believed to have been committed,” said the spokesperson.

Local Sinn Féin councillor Gavin Bell has called on parents to remain ‘vigilant.’

He said: “Yesterday there was an attempted child abduction in the Ballinderry and Coagh area, by a male in a blue coloured car.

“This male was chased away by the child's parent, thankfully.

“I would call on all parents to be vigilant at all times, especially now in the longer, lighter evenings and any suspicious activities should be immediately reported to police. 

“This incident highlights the need for a better presence of community policing and the need for clarity surrounding the housing of sex offenders in our rural and/or nearby suburban areas.

“Our locality is crying out for better, safer child play areas, and I will be asking for support from council to help provide these,” added Mr Bell.