Parents warned of approach made to children

A number of schools in the area issued text messages this morning (Thursday) advising parents of a suspicious approach.

The message issued to parents by schools said that the school “has had a report of a man offering children a lift on the way to school.

“We have informed police and reminded children not to accept unplanned lifts.”

A police spokesperson confirmed: “Police are investigating the report of a suspicious approach to school children in the John Street area of Rathfriland on Wednesday 22nd June.

“It was reported that a man driving a silver coloured car pulled alongside a small group of school children at around 8.45am and offered them a lift in his car. The children refused and the man, who was described as having grey hair, then drove off.

“Enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers, working with school authorities, have taken steps to reinforce the “Stranger Danger” message to local schoolchildren and have stepped up patrolling in the area.

“Anyone with any information or who noticed any suspicious activity in the area on Wednesday morning is asked to contact police at Armagh on 101.”