Warning as stranger approaches girl of 11
POLICE have issued a “stranger danger” warning after a man in a van spoke to an 11-year-old girl as she walked down a village street.
The driver of a small white van approached the youngster as she walked along Charnwood Road, Ratby, at about 12.45pm on Sunday
The schoolgirl did not engage with the man and was not harmed, police said.
The man then turned his van around and drove towards Markfield Lane, Ratby.
Detective Constable Julie Watkins said: “We are carrying out full inquiries into this report and are working to clarify the full circumstances.
“Anyone with any information is asked to make contact with us. If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time, then please check this and get in touch with us.
“If you believe you were the driver of the van, please also make contact with us so we can establish the full details regarding
the report which has been made to us.
“We encourage all parents, carers and teachers to continually speak with children to ensure they know what to do if approached by a stranger.
“Our officers continue to work with schools and organisations to ensure the safety of children in our communities and to provide crime prevention and safety advice.”
Police offer the following advice to children about what to do when approached by a stranger: ■■Do not speak to them. Instead run and tell a trusted adult. This could be at home, a family member’s address or a teacher.
■■Don’t accept anything offered to you by a stranger.
■■Don’t accept a lift from a person you do not know – even if they say they are a friend of your parents or a relative.
■■Avoid areas you don’t know and always ensure you take a safe route home using busy and well-lit areas.