Man who bothered girl ‘may be dementia sufferer’

CHRIS CALCINO strangers” notice to parents after the incident on Thursday.

“We are informing you that an incident occurred before school today on Michaelangelo Dr between one of our middle years students and an unknown male,” he wrote.

“The student was grabbed by the arm and (was) fortunately able to remove herself from this situation. We have informed the police and see this as a timely opportunity to reinforce awareness of strangers with your children.”

Residents took to social media calling for action, with some threatening violence against the man.

But Senior Constable Russ Parker said there was no indication the man had evil intentions. He said the student had described the man as being “old and confused” – and he did not grab her wrist, he just touched it.

“He didn’t say anything to her and there was certainly no sexualised behaviour,” SenConstable Parker said.

“She has immediately run and done the right thing. He hasn’t come after her or anything like that.

“We’re looking into whether we’ve got an old guy who has just wandered off from home, possibly a dementia sufferer.

“We’ve spoken to the girl with her parents and we’ve got a version of events from her.”

The Child Protection and

Investigation Unit is investigating but Sen-Constable Parker said there was nothing to indicate the incident was an abduction attempt.

Sen-Constable Parker said police were still trying to track down the man to determine what led to the interaction with the girl – and whether he required medical help.