Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a child approach yesterday in West Tamworth.

Between 4:30pm and 5pm (Thursday 3 September) a 10-year-old boy was riding his bike along Stewart Avenue, when an unknown man engaged him and started a conversation.

They continued the conversation until the man attempted to grab the child’s bike. There was a brief struggle until the 10-year-old rode away from the man.

Officers attached to Oxley Local Area Command were contacted and commenced an investigation.

The man is described as being of Aboriginal/ Torres Strait Islander appearance, in his 50’s with a skinny build and missing two front teeth. He was seen wearing a black hooded jumper, long pants, brown/black coloured backpack and a hat.

Meanwhile, the incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

– Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.

– Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. 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’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.