Man in car ‘beckoned’ to girl

Children in Kirriemuir have been warned to walk home in groups after a man stopped to offer a youngster a lift in his car.

Pupils and parents in the Angus town were warned about “stranger danger” after the man “beckoned” to a schoolgirl and invited her into his car.

Pupils at Northmuir Primary School were given a talk on how to deal with strangers following the incident on Monday, and told to walk home in groups when possible.

Parents at another town primary were toldd their children will also be given advice.

The matter was referred to Police Scotland but it is unclear if they are investigating as they could not be reached for comment.

Liz Langlands, head teacher at Northmuir Primary School, wrote to parents on Tuesday afternoon: “We have been informed that whilst walking home yesterday, a car stopped and the driver beckoned to a child.

“The child made the sensible decision and ignored this and made her way safely home. The family informed the police.

“The police advised school to talk about ‘stranger danger’ with all pupils, which we have done. We have also reminded children to walk home with others whenever possible.”

Southmuir Primary School head teacher Jane Esson reinforced the message with parents at her school.

“She wrote: “We have been informed that a child at Northmuir has been approached by a man in a car and offered a lift.

“Police are aware of the situation. Please remind your child of ‘stranger danger’. We are reinforcing this message at school also.”

In 2015, pupils at a rural Angus school were given similar advice on “stranger danger” after a man approached a little girl in the street.

The youngster was walking along Gardyne Street in Letham when the man stopped and spoke to her.

The incident was brought to light by concerned parents, and the matter was referred to Police Scotland by the local school.

The police advised school to talk about ‘stranger danger’ with all pupils, which we have done