E-fit released after children approached by man in Portsmouth play park

Do you recognise this man?

Officers investigating a suspicious incident in a play park in Portsmouth would like to speak with him in connection with the incident.

It comes after we received a number of reports of a man approaching two young children on three separate occasions at a grassed play area close to Wimpole Street and another play area at the junction of Arundel Street and Holbrook Road.

The incidents occurred between 3.30pm on Monday 1 May and 5.30pm on Wednesday 3 May.

It is alleged that the man approached the children in an attempt to entice them away and into his vehicle – on each occasion the child declined and moved away from the area.

He is described as being a black man, in his 30s with a balding head and hair growing around the back and side. The man was also seen to be wearing a black Nike top or hoodie.

Do you know who this man is? Perhaps you have seen him in the local community recently?

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference number 44230176431. You can also submit information via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website: https://www.hampshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-forms/provide-more-information-to-be-added-to-a-crime-report/

Alternatively, you can contact independent charity, Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Parents are encouraged to discuss the dangers of going anywhere with people that they do not know personally; here are some helpful hints for broaching the subject with your children via the Safe 4 Me website:

• Don’t tell your kids to fear strangers, instead talk to them about who they are allowed to go with: Mum, Dad, grandparents, the childminder, best friend’s parents, etc. Settle on a short list of ‘safe’ people.

• Tell your kids how clever they are and that you want them to use their cleverness when they’re outside so they can stay safe.

• Tell them there’s one easy rule to remember: CLEVER NEVER GOES. Clever Never Goes means never go anywhere with anyone unless it was planned beforehand.

For more information about Clever Never Goes please visit: https://www.safe4me.co.uk/portfolio/clever-never-goes/.