Police officers have released an artist’s impression of a man they would like to trace in connection with two suspicious incidents involving schoolchildren in Weston Rhyn and Oswestry.
The first incident took place in Weston Rhyn on Wednesday 12 October. An 11 year-old boy was walking home after getting off a school bus at around 3.55pm, when a man in a black car, believed to be a Renault Clio, called out and falsely claimed that he had been asked to pick him up by the boy’s mother.
The boy ran home, with the car seen to drive off in the direction of Trehowell Lane.
The man is described as white, aged in his late 20s with short, straight brown hair and spoke with a strong Liverpudlian accent. He is also described as being of thin build.
The second incident occurred at 7.50am on Tuesday 18 October when a 13 year-old girl was walking on Longueville Drive Oswestry. As she approached the junction of Aston Way, a small black van pulled up next to her and the driver told her to get into the van.
The girl ran away from the scene. The man did not leave the vehicle and the girl was not injured or physically touched in any way.
The driver is described a white man in his 20s of a medium build, with dark brown hair and slight stubble. He was described as having a slight Liverpool accent and was thought to be the only person in the vehicle.
The vehicle is described as a black van with blacked out rear windows and black tape or a bag covering the registration plates.
Detective Inspector Mark Jones from Shrewsbury CID who is leading the investigation said: “We understand that these are concerning incidents for the community and we are working hard to investigate and understand the full circumstances.
“A number of lines of enquiry are still being followed and I am keen to hear from anyone who feels that they may recognise the person from the artist’s impression and from the descriptions provided by the witnesses.”
If you have any information that may help police with their enquiries please call 101, ask for West Mercia Police and quote incident number 481s of 12 October or 308s of 15 October.
Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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