Wyndham parents and schools are on high alert after an unidentified man approached pupils at a Werribee primary school, sparking a police investigation.
Assistant principal at Manorvale Primary School Lily Ibrahim sent a letter to parents the same day the incident occurred, telling them what had happened.
She said a man riding a bike along Greaves Street North had approached three school pupils who were playing near the fence.
An older student who was playing nearby also heard the man speak to the pupils. A teacher on yard duty walked over to the group and was able to provide a description of the man to police.
Principal Helen Watson told Star Weekly the man allegedly told the children to “come with me”.
“The school is on high alert, especially around the fence line,” Ms Watson said.
“We continue to develop our school value, which is caring for others and, in this case, it was great to see an older student caring for her fellow students.”
Ms Watson said there were occasionally similar incidents of pupils being approached. As a result, a permanent rule was in place where the children needed to stay at least five metres from the fence line.
“Everything that should have worked did work very well in this case,” she said.
“Our community seems to be keeping cool heads at the moment. Everyone is, of course, very concerned but sensible.” Last week reports started circulating on social media that angry parents were planning on hunting the unknown man down.
Victoria Police spokesman Sergeant Kris Hamilton said the incident was being investigated, and he discouraged residents from taking matters into their own hands.
“Victoria Police always discourages any type of vigilante behaviour,” Sergeant Hamilton said.
“Our advice to parents is that if they have any information at all in relation to these types of incidents, they are encouraged to notify the police via triple-0 or Crime Stoppers.”
The man is described as being Caucasian, tall, of thin build, with blond, scruffy hair. He was wearing a black top, black pants and a helmet.
Our Lady of the Southern Cross Primary School in Manor Lakes also issued a warning last week after a man matching this description was spotted around the school.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
