Children approached under suspicious circumstances

Police in west Belfast have appealed for information after a child was approached by a man under suspicious circumstances at the weekend.

The incident happened at around 4.50pm on Saturday, when a nine-year-old boy was walking towards his home along Riverdale Park East.

A man, aged in his early thirties approached the child, and began to shout abuse before making several attempts to grab him.

The boy walked off, however the man followed, only changing his direction when a car pulled up alongside.

The man made his escape in the direction of the Andersonstown Road.

He is described as being between 5ft 6ins and 5ft 8 in height, of thin build, with a pale complexion and sunken eyes.

He is said to have dark hair with grey flecks and was wearing glasses, beige trousers and a navy canvas jacket.

Meanwhile, in a separate incident in Londonderry, parents have been warned to keep an eye on their children after an attempted abduction on Saturday evening.

A five and a six-year-old girl were playing outside their homes in the Leenan Gardens area of the city at around 8pm on Saturday, when three men in a small blue car pulled up alongside them and asked them to get in.

Th girls managed to escaped unharmed.

The driver of the car is described as having dark hair and was wearing glasses.

Anyone who may have witnessed either incident, or who may have any information relating to them, are asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000, or anonymously on the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.

(EF/KMcA)