Probe launched after schoolboy is approached by a man in Southampton

Extra police patrol are being carried out along with regular patrols and speaking to schools after a report of a suspicious incident in Shirley. At some point between 4pm and 4:30pm on Wednesday May 22, a 12 year-old boy was approached by a man he did not know, as he was walking on St Edmund’s Road. The man, who was described as dark skinned and was driving a dark coloured car with tinted windows, spoke briefly to the boy, who then ran off. The boy was not hurt. Investigations are ongoing and we are speaking to the boy and his family, Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out patrols in the area. Officers have also been speaking to parents and children at local schools. There have been no other reports about suspicious activity in this area received. Detective Sergeant Will Whale said: “This is a rare occurrence and our officers have been speaking to people in the local area to gather information and provide reassurance. “Did you see the man described, or the vehicle he was driving, in the area? I’d ask you to contact us as soon as possible by calling 101”. If anyone has any information please call 101 quoting reference 44190176362. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting the same reference.