Arrest following primary school approach

GARDAÍ in Tralee are investigating a ‘suspicious approach’ on a schoolgirl as she made her way home from Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh, on Monday afternoon.

The school this week confirmed that an arrest had been made following the incident.

It is understood that the girl was approached by a group of individuals as she exited the school from the Connolly Park side of the grounds.

Thankfully, the girl was aware of the dangers and ignored the approach from strangers while seeking the assistance of a passerby, the school has confirmed.

Management at Scoil Eoin later circulated a text message notifying all parents about the incident which read: ‘Thankfully she knew how to react when approached by the strangers’. The text also stated that an arrest had been made.

Meanwhile, gardaí in Tralee said a ‘suspicious approach’ was still under investigation.

A further statement from the school referred to ‘shock and upset’ at the incident, with Principal Kieran O’Toole recommending that parents ‘once again talk to their children about their safety when coming to and going from school’.

He added that the pupils’ own resilience and understanding of personal safety, instilled by her family – as well as the ‘Stay Safe’ programme taught at the school – had stood to her.

The school also praised the assistance of a passerby who ensured the pupil got home safely and that individuals were apprehended.