Suspectedabductor wasaftergirl’sdog

November 2001

Reports of a possible child abduction attempt have been discounted after an 11-year-old girl out walking her dog yesterday (Tuesday) morning was chased by a stranger.

The worrying incident occurred in the Monart area of Enniscorthy, when the child was hailed by the occupant of a red van, who asked for directions to The Duffry. The girl obliged, but declined to accept the invitation of a lift in the van and continued walking, only to be pursued by the driver.

The unknown male soon gave up the chase on foot, and drove off at speed from the scene.

The matter was reported on local radio as a warning to parents and children.

However, when Gardaí were alerted to the incident, they concluded that the motorist was almost certainly more interested in the dog – a potentially valuable terrier – than the girl.

A spokesman at the barracks in Enniscorthy said the appeared the family had every reason to be alarmed, but that there were no reason to issue a general warning that a child molester might be on the loose.