Van driver offers sweets to child

A suspicious approach to an 11-year-old child by an elderly man driving a van, has this week sparked a garda investigation, with the public being asked to remain vigilant.

The incident occurred at approximately 1.30pm on Monday in the Clarecastle area, when a young boy was walking home. He was approached by a man driving a van. The man is described as Irish and in his seventies. He pulled up alongside the child and asked the boy if he wanted sweets but no attempt was made to abduct the child.

The van is described as being dark blue in colour and small sized, similar to a Citroen. 

“The man offered the young boy sweets and said he had sweets in the van. He was described as in his seventies. He had grey or white hair, a grey goatee and was bald on the top of his head, with hair on the sides.

He also had a cut over his eye and a country accent. He didn’t try to bring the boy into the van,” a senior garda confirmed.

He was also described as being of big build. It is understood that the van drove off in the direction of Kildysart. The child alerted his family to the incident and a family member reported the matter to the gardaí.

Gardaí have now issued a warning to the public to remain vigilant and to remind children to be wary of strangers.

They advised this was the only report of this nature they have received to date but they are anxious to speak to anyone who may have experienced a similar approach or observed suspicious activity to contact them.

Enquiries are ongoing and gardaí are asking anyone who may have noticed this van or a man matching this description in the Clarecastle area on Monday to come forward.

Ennis Garda Station can be contacted on 065 6848100 or call the garda confidential line at 1800 666 111.