Woman ‘tried to lure girl with sweets’

POLICE have launched an investigation after a 11-year-old girl was allegedly approached by a woman trying to lure her away with sweets and chocolates.

The alleged incident happened at around 3.15pm on Monday in Tynybryn Road, Tonyrefail.

Annalise Samuel, a year 7 pupil, was walking towards her grandmother’s house when she was approached by the stranger.

Her mother Kirsty Louise Hawkins, 30, who also has a son in the school, said Annalise was left terrified and shaken up by the incident.

“She asked Annalise to meet her by the Rhondda bowl, bowling alley or near the playing park entrance. She said she has some sweets and chocolate to give her but she just needed to get out of her car,” said Kirsty.

“Annalise instantly thought of ‘stranger danger‘ etc, and shouted please leave me alone and ran away from her.”

The family are concerned the incident could trigger a seizure in Annalise who suffers from epilepsy.

She added: “We were terrified if this incident would set one off due to stress. Thankfully she’s been OK but did have a funny turn the following night. We’re querying if it was actually a seizure or not.”

Kirsty says the incident has left her so concerned about Annalise walking to school that she has now arranged a lift with another pupil.

South Wales Police said: “We received a report of a young girl being approached by a woman described as being in her 40s or 50s with what is described as ‘dirty scruffy hair’.

“We are taking the incident very seriously and are urging that individual to make contact. We are appealing for anyone who may have been in the area at the time or anyone who has any information to contact us on 101 quoting the reference 389446.”