PAEDO ALERT

A STRANGER danger warning has been issued after a suspicious man was spotted in his car outside a Lurgan youth club on Monday night

A report was made to police by a youth worker after the man was seen parked close to Lurgan Youth Annexe on the Mourne Road.

The man was alone in the car and aroused suspicion when he was recognised as someone with a history of inappropriate behaviour with children.

Michele Hanlon from Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association urged parents to remain vigilant and instruct their children to do likewise.

Youth worker at Lurgan Youth Annexe Andrew Barr said: “My staff and members of the local community have played an important role in providing me with this information so that it could be passed on to the local PSNI and schools in the area.

“All staff and volunteers at the Youth Annexe have participated in the SELB Youth Service Child Protection Training and are aware of the risks and dangers posed to vulnerable children and young people.

“Parents, teachers and youth workers all have a responsibility to ensure children and young people’s health and safety is paramount. I firmly believe this issue has been addressed with a common sense approach and encourages all members of the local community to work together.”

Police confirmed they received a report on Tuesday morning about a vehicle acting suspiciously in the Mourne Road area on Monday evening. They said enquiries were continuing by officers from the local Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Police advised anyone reporting suspicious activity to make their report to police at the time or as soon as possible afterwards.

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