Unknown man approached children in Hovedgård – police lacking suspect
A man displaying "unusual behaviour" followed a 10-year-old girl and attempted to contact a 7-year-old boy in Hovedgård. Police are increasing patrols and appealing for witnesses.
Man followed 10-year-old girl and approached 7-year-old boy in Hovedgård
South East Jutland Police have received two reports this week of a stranger who has approached children in Hovedgård, according to TV 2 Nyheder. Police have no suspect and are now urging members of the public with information to come forward.
The first incident took place on 27 October at approximately 17:30 in the Tornbjerg area. A ten-year-old girl was followed by a man dressed in dark clothing.
– According to her mother, the man ran after her. While the girl calls her mother, he subsequently stops and leaves the scene. She feels very unsafe about it, says deputy police inspector Lars Elmstrøm.
The next day, on 28 October, a seven-year-old boy was approached by a stranger whilst he was on the playground at Hovedgård School during a break.
– Presumably the same man emerges from a wooded area where he had hidden himself. He tries to wave the boy over to him, but the boy instead walks away and finds a friend, says Lars Elmstrøm.
Police assess that it is presumably the same person in both cases, but have not yet identified the man.
– It is impossible to know what this is about, but it is extremely unsettling when minors are being approached by a stranger, and we would very much like to find the person in question, says the deputy police inspector.
According to police, no similar incidents have been reported in the town earlier this year, and investigators do not have much to go on. Police are hoping that members of the public with relevant observations will contact them.
– We have no suspect as to who it is. So we would very much like to hear from parents if they have experienced anything similar or have seen a man displaying unusual behaviour, says Lars Elmstrøm.
Following the two incidents, there will be increased patrols in Hovedgård. The local officer in the area has also been informed of the incidents, and the school has sent a message to parents via Aula.
The deputy police inspector also urges parents to talk to their children about what they should do if a stranger approaches them.
– They should know that if they see an unusual man or strangers approaching them, they should find an adult. And then the adults are very welcome to contact us, he says.
Source: TV 2 Nyheder