Abduction probe - police seek witnesses

Police have appealed for anyone who may have seen a young boy being approached by a man wearing dark clothing in the Wilson Crescent area of Ballymena on friday afternoon to contact them urgently.

Inspector Trevor Atkinson said: “At approximately at 4:45 pm on Friday March 20 a 10 year old boy was playing in the Wilson Crescent area when an unknown man approached him, offered him money and asked him to get into his van. The boy ran away to nearby house.

“He was not injured during the incident, however he was left badly shaken.

“The man is described as having dark hair and wearing a dark coat and was driving a large light coloured van.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact Police at Ballymena on the non-emergency number 101. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information, without giving their details they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Last night, Mrs. Leslie Meikle, headmistress of Harryville Primary, which the boy attends, used the school’s facebook page to warn parents of the stranger danger.

The suspicious approach report came within hours of news of a similar incident in the village of Broughshane.

Mrs. Meikle said: “Tonight (Friday) at approximately 5pm one of our pupils was offered a sum of money to get into a light coloured van near Wakehurst Playing Fields.

“Thankfully, our pupil ran to a house for help. Our pupil is very shaken by this attempt to abduct him and we are thankful that a volunteer adult from school helped to keep him safe.”

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