Man takes pictures of children in ‘suspicious’ incident in Woolley Road, Maidstone
Published: 14:34, 22 May 2023
Updated: 14:50, 22 May 2023
Police are looking for the owner of a black Mercedes after a group of school children were approached and had their photos taken.
At around 3.45pm on Thursday, May 18, four children were stopped in Woolley Road, Maidstone, and asked what they were doing by the driver of the car.
It’s thought he then approached one of the children and took photos, including of the school logo on his uniform.
He left the scene, making a right turn onto Willington Street, when a woman intervened and tried to speak to him. The car had had tinted windows and a registration plate starting with a Y and which included a 6.
Detective Inspector Richard Pringle said: “There is no evidence to suggest this man did anything to encourage or try and force anyone into the vehicle, however it is important we speak to him to understand why he stopped and his subsequent actions.
“We are working to establish the full circumstances but are also keeping an open mind. It is possible this may simply have been a misunderstanding, as the driver is reported to have spoken in limited English.”
In Weavering, around five minutes away, similar suspicious activity was reported.
‘It is important we speak to him to understand why he stopped and his subsequent actions...’
A school email to parents said: “We just wanted to bring your attention to some reports of a suspicious individual that has been spotted in the Weavering area.
“This individual has been staring at students on their commute to school and has potentially taken a photograph of them on their phone.
“This has been reported to police, who are investigating the matter, but we wanted to share this information with you so that we can ensure that students are waking to school with a friend wherever possible.
“While this report is from the Weavering area, we would certainly advise all students travel to school with at least one friend or family member, regardless of where they are traveling from.”
Anyone with information should contact the west Kent appeals line on 01622 604100, quoting reference 46/89176/23.
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Sean McPolin