Gardaí in appeal for public’s help after man makes suspicious approach to schoolgirls

GARDAÍ in Killarney have issued an appeal for the public’s help as they attempt to trace a man who made a suspicious approach to two teenage girls in the Barraduff area on Sunday.

The two girls – both in their mid teens – were out walking near Doyles Cross at around 3.45 on Sunday afternoon when they were approached by a man who, they felt, was acting suspiciously.

The man – who has been described only as being in his fifties – was alone in a small maroon hatchback car thought to have been a Ford Fiesta or a similar vehicle.

He gestured to the two girls and tried to get them to approach the car but they ignored him.

Shortly afterwards – after one of the girls had left the area – the man again tried to lure the remaining girl to the car.

Once again she ignored the man and he then left the scene driving off in the direction of Killarney.

A short time later when the girl was collected by her mother she told her about the suspicious man.

Her mother then contacted gardaí in Killarney and told them about the incident which they set about investigating.

On Tuesday Gardaí issued a public appeal for information on the incident.

They said that they are seeking the public’s help as they try to ascertain whether the incident stemmed from an innocent misunderstanding or if there was a more sinister motive.

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Killarney Garda Station at 064 6631222.