Parents in Skerries fearful over suspicious approaches to children

Parents in the Skerries area of north Dublin have expressed concern for the safety of their children after it emerged that gardaí were investigating approaches to three teenagers by a suspicious person in the area during the last few weeks.

The teenagers were approached on three separate occasions by a man driving a red car in September, October and this month. The incidents happened at Skerries Rock, a settled estate in the village, and involved two girls aged 16 and one aged 15. All three have since given statements to gardaí.

News of the approaches followed a sexual assault on two young children in the nearby town of Swords.

Minister for Justice Michael Mc Dowell yesterday praised the action of a school principal who issued a letter of warning to parents earlier this week about the approaches.

Michelle Keane, principal of St Patrick's Senior National School, warned parents of the 363 children in her care through a letter in the post that the approaches had taken place.

She told them gardaí were aware of a number of similar incidents, and had asked to be informed of any further occurrences.

The principal told The Irish Times that it was her belief and the belief of the board of management that parents needed to be told about the issue.

"I intentionally posted the letter because of the sensitive nature of its content and to ensure parents got it," she said.

Mr McDowell said Ms Keane took responsible action in relation to the matter.

"She didn't want to create hysteria or a scare. She wanted to deal with it in a measured, responsible way," he said. "Parents are the people to involve in making children aware of these matters."

Skerries resident and parent Karen Grant said she was nervous about letting her children out of her sight after she heard about the incidents.

"I won't let my little boy knock for his friend three doors down by himself now. I stand on the path outside my door while his friend's mother stands and watches him coming," she said.

"I don't even feel safe myself after dark. It's not nice when you were born and reared here."

Anna Marron said her small daughter tells everyone that children have to stay in their gardens because of "the man that kidnaps you".

"It used to be safe around here, everyone knew everyone, but now it's not the same. It's frightening," she said.

Joyce Moore said she would not be keeping her children in because of the reports, but she would be more concerned about them than in the past.

"Skerries Rock is a really respectable housing estate, a nice neighbourhood," she said. "You really start thinking about it when it's closer to home. It is terrible to think how easily it happened in Swords."

A Garda spokeswoman said the man they are looking for is black, in his 30s with either short hair or a shaven head and a distinctive yellow or gold tooth. He was driving a small, old red car.