Suspected child abduction attempt reported to Laois gardaí
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A REPORT of a suspected child abduction attempt in Laois is being investigated by gardaí.
The suspicious approach to a schoolgirl allegedly happened in Portarlington town centre early yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them, following the alleged incident near a junction on Main Street.
Gardaí were contacted after a man acting suspiciously allegedly approached and spoke to the girl, aged about 10, between 2.30pm and 2.45pm on 16 December. The schoolgirl was scared by the encounter and ran away.
The report was posted on the Port News Ireland social media page last night, where the man was described as middle-aged with grey hair.
The post described the incident as a child abduction attempt and said gardaí had been alerted. The Port News Ireland post prompted many worried comments from followers and was subsequently removed.
Gardaí confirmed that they received a report of what they described as ‘a suspicious approach’ to a child and are carrying out an investigation.
Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Portlaoise Garda Station at 057 8674100 or Portarlington Garda Station at 057 8623112.
