THERE HAS been a massive cause for concern for parents of young children across the Enniscorthy District after it emerged that there has been at least two reports of attempted child abductions in the past fortnight.

Residents of Cluain Bui in Enniscorthy and of the Oulart area were on high alert after two separate incidents of children being approached by a “small silver car” while making their way home from school.

The first incident took place in Oulart around ten days ago and saw a child approached after getting off the school bus. The parent, who wished to remain anonymous, said that the youngster was followed by a car and was asked for directions. The silver car was then said to have changed directions three times before stopping and “making a lewd suggestion” and “asking my child to get into his car”.

The man in question was said to be in his late 20s to early 30s and was unshaven with a grey hoody which was pulled up with a yellow hat underneath. The parent said: “Thankfully my child got away and flagged down a lovely neighbour’s car. The man drove off in the Oulart direction.”

The parent was quick to warn members of the local community and also reported the incident to Gardaí.

A similar incident took place last week in Cluain Bui, Enniscorthy. This time a male and a female approached children, once again in a small silver car, and allegedly asked them if they would like to come and see their puppies. Thankfully, the children managed to get away, however, the community of Cluain Bui were left shocked and concerned following the incident.

“It’s really scary,” said one worried parent. “I think it’s important to warn other parents that this is going on before it’s too late and something bad happens.”

The residents association of the housing estate wasted no time in going door to door urging residents with children to take care in the wake of the incident and it was also reported to Gardaí.

A spokesperson for Enniscorthy Gardaí said: “We have received reports, but there is nothing concrete as of yet. There’s nothing to say that the incidents are linked or anything like that, but we are looking into the reports.”

Parents are advised, as always to stress the dangers of talking to strangers to their children and anyone who sees anything suspicious should contact Enniscorthy Gardaí on 053 9242580.