Police are appealing for public assistance as they investigate reports a boy was approached in Sydney’s south yesterday, NSW Police say.
Just after 8am yesterday, a seven-year-old boy was walking on a pedestrian footbridge at Forest Road, Bexley, when he was grabbed from behind by an unknown man.
Police have been told the man spoke to the boy, before he screamed and ran away.
Officers from St George Local Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
As part of their inquiries, police would like to speak to a man who may be able to assist them.
The man is described as having a dark complexion, wearing a green jumper with black writing across the front, denim jeans and a pair of black shiny pointy shoes.
Anyone with information is urged to come forward.
Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;
- Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.
- Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets or use paths where there are lots of people.
- Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
- Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
- Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
- If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
- If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers.
