PARENTS are asked to stay calm but vigilant following reports of a man acting suspiciously near schools.

Two incidents in Ipswich were reported in the early part of last week, with the first happening between 3.20-3.35pm last Monday in Congreve Road.

An 11-year-old girl was walking along the road when a man approached her and grabbed her arm.

The girl tried to pull away and the man let go, before getting into a black car and driving away.

The second incident occurred between 3-4pm last Tuesday in Morland Road. A man in a vehicle approached an eight-year-old boy and told him to get in the car. The boy did not get in the vehicle and the man drove off.

There have since been further reports, two of which are being linked to last week’s offences.

The first occurred in Byron Road, Ipswich. At around 12.50pm last Friday a man in a vehicle stopped a 12-year-old boy as he walked along the road and asked him to get into the vehicle. The boy then ran off.

The second occurred in Beckham Road, Lowestoft. At around 4.30pm last Wednesday a man shouted at a nine-year-old girl from a parked car to get in the car, as she was cycling in the street. The man then drove off.

From the descriptions given of the four incidents, police are looking for a white man, approximately 50 years old, of slim to medium build, balding and who dresses smartly. The vehicle is described as a dark-coloured car.

Other reports have been received by Suffolk police but due to the nature of the alleged incidents and descriptions given they are not being linked.

Detective Inspector Stuart Sowerby, of Ipswich CID, said: “Obviously with incidents such as these there is a lot of concern in the community and we are aware of messages being distributed around parents, friends and family.

“While we encourage people to share information with the police and each other we would like to take this opportunity to ask members of the public not to become unduly concerned with messages they may receive via text or over the internet.

“There is an on-going investigation into these incidents and Suffolk police are taking all reports very seriously.”

If anyone has immediate concerns over the way someone is acting and believe it needs a prompt response they should call 999.

If anyone has any information in relation to these incidents they are asked to contact Suffolk police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

anthony.bond@eadt.co.uk