A CANVASS of George and Russell streets yesterday failed to identify a man police want to speak to after an incident involving two children in the city’s CBD on Monday afternoon.
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Police were called to the area just after 3.20pm after a report a man had approached two children near the Russell and George street intersection.
Police have since appealed for information to verify the circumstances of the incident.
It is believed the man yelled out to the two children, aged five and seven, and tried to engage them in conversation.
The children kept walking to their father’s workplace, where they told him what happened.
Police from the Chifley local area command were contacted and an investigation began immediately.
Chifley local area command crime manager Inspector Luke Rankin said late yesterday that police were still trying to determine exactly what happened.
He said it was good that the community was alert, but said at this stage police have not concluded anything sinister occurred.
Nonetheless, he congratulated the children for raising the alarm.
“The kids were frightened and asked for help; they did the right thing,” he said.
“Police canvassed the area yesterday and are continuing their investigations. We would still like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything.
“We would certainly like to speak to the man. It may be the case he wasn’t doing anything sinister and didn’t mean to frighten the children.
“It may be a case of someone with mental health issues.”
The man has been described as aged 30 to 40 with dark skin, bald but with hair at the back of his head, and moles on his face/head. He was of medium build, unshaven, and wearing a white jumper and grey track pants. He was also carrying a drink in a milkshake container.
Police are urging anyone with information about the incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting service at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
Inspector Rankin said now was a good time to reinforce safety tips with children and advise the following:
Make sure your parents or another adult you know is aware of where you are at all times.
Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
If someone tries to grab you, yell out: “Go away, I don’t know you.”