‘Get into my car’: CHILD (11) IS told

Inspector David Anderson said: “It was reported that at a man in a black Vauxhall Corsa car told the 11 year old child to get into his car to be taken home. Wisely, the child did not get into the car, instead returned home and told his mother what had happened. The incident was reported to police a number of days later.

“I would ask that anyone who saw a black Vauxhall Corsa in the area at the time contact police on the non-emergency number 101. The driver is described as having a Northern Irish accent. It is also important that the driver of this car comes forward to provide their account of what happened.

“I would ask that anyone with any information make contact with police as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile Police in Coleraine have also confirmed that they are investigating two incidents in which children, aged between eight and 11, have been approached by a man in a small van in the Heights area of Coleraine last Thursday.

Police are now urging parents to be vigilant, but have reassured the community that ‘extensive work’ has been carried out on the basis of the information.

PSNI Inspector Trevor Atkinson said: “There have been two separate reports from children aged from 8 to 11 years old on the same day. We are investigating the reports thoroughly. As part of that, we have made door to door enquiries. We are working to gain a clear picture of what happened on Thursday evening.

“The children reported that a man driving a small van was involved in the approaches.

“Again, I would like to reassure parents and the public that we have carried out extensive work on the basis of that information including whether the incidents are linked.

“If you have any information that might assist the police enquiries please call us on the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”