This in from the Police, in their own words. Ed
Police are appealing for information after a report of a man acting suspiciously towards a child on the Isle of Wight.
Officers are investigating concerns over how a man approached an 11-year-old boy near St. Lawrence on the outskirts of Ventnor.
The boy was walking on his own down St. Lawrence Shute towards the village of St. Lawrence at around 4.30pm on Wednesday, November 9, 2011.
He was wearing a fluorescent tabard after getting off a bus nearby.
It’s reported a motorist driving a black four-by-four style vehicle pulled up alongside the boy as it travelled in the same direction towards St. Lawrence.
The man driving, who appeared to be on his own in the vehicle, offered to give the boy a lift. The 11-year-old declined and walked away in the opposite direction. The motorist drove away down the shute towards St. Lawrence.
Description
The motorist was described as:
> Dark skinned
> Aged in his 30s to 40s
> Short dark hair
> Wearing glasses
> He spoke with an Indian accent
The vehicle was described as having darkened front windows, cream leather seats, and a number plate that appeared to contain only three letters.
Sergeant Martin Ward of Hampshire Constabulary’s Isle of Wight Public Protection Department said: “The boy has told police he was not threatened or physically harmed by the man, but we remain concerned that this motorist’s actions were suspicious.
“The boy acted correctly by not accepting a lift from someone he did not know, and police always encourage people to report information to the authorities if they’re worried about the welfare of a child.
“Officers are making enquiries to identify and find the driver so we can establish what his intentions were. There could be a completely innocent explanation but this motorist will need to come forward to explain his behaviour.”
The driver or anyone with information is asked to contact the Isle of Wight Public Protection Department by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
