THE mother of an eight-year-old child who was approached by a man in Carnoustie has told how her daughter has been left “shaken up” by the incident.
The man is reported to have followed the girl along Ravensby Road and asked her a series of questions, attempting to ascertain her name and address.
Police today said they were treating the matter “seriously” and called for information.
The child’s mother spoke of Monday’s incident in a bid to encourage parents in the area to be extra vigilant.
She said: “She was very shaken up.
“I won’t be letting any of my kids walk to school alone again, even though it is only two minutes from home.”
The man is believed to have turned back and left the scene.
The incident was then reported to police and the child’s mother was informed.
A Police Scotland statement read: “Police Scotland is appealing for information after an eight-year-old girl was approached by a man, who tried to engage her in conversation as she walked along Ravensby Road, Carnoustie, between 1.15pm and 1.30pm on Monday January 11.
“He is described as a white male, aged early 30s, tall, medium build, short dark spiky-ish hair.
“He was wearing blue denim jeans, a large black jacket with a hood (which was down) and black footwear.
“It should be noted that whilst the matter may be innocuous, officers are treating this seriously and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen someone in the vicinity who matches the man’s description.
“Anyone who may have information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101.”
Carnoustie councillor Bill Bowles said it was vital that police were made aware of such incidents even if they were very minor.
Mr Bowles added: “It is extremely important that any suspicious activity is reported.
“This is particularly important when it is an incident that involves children being approached by adults that they don’t know in this way, and these types of incidents should always be reported to the authorities.
“It could be that this was done in all innocence and turns out to be innocuous, but there is no such thing as being too vigilant when it comes to safeguarding the wellbeing of children.”