Police up patrols after man approaches girl, 9, in play park

Police have launched high visibility patrols in West Lothian after a girl was approached by a man in the Dedridge area.
By The Newsroom
Published 18th Sep 2016, 13:02 BST
Updated 5th Oct 2016, 14:38 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

The girl was approached in a play park near Ambrose Rise. Picture: GoogleThe girl was approached in a play park near Ambrose Rise. Picture: Google
The girl was approached in a play park near Ambrose Rise. Picture: Google

DOWNLOAD THE EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS APP ON ITUNES OR GOOGLE PLAY

The incident happened around 4.15pm on Friday September 16 at a play park near to Ambrose Rise.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A 9-year-old girl was playing in the area when a man approached and engaged the child in conversation before attempting to put his hands on her.

He then made off towards St Ninian’s School.

The girl was unharmed and reported the matter to her parents, who contacted police. Officers are now urging anyone who can assist with their inquiries to come forward.

The suspect is described as being of Indian/Pakistani or Bangladeshi appearance, 18-20-years-old, around 5ft 10ins tall with black hair, brown eyes and a clean-shaven complexion. He was wearing a light-grey hooded top with navy blue lining on the hood, grey skinny jeans, dirty white-coloured trainers and spoke with a Scottish accent.

Detective Sergeant Graham Garvie from Livingston CID said: “At this time we are trying to establish exactly what took place during this exchange and would ask anyone who was in the area and saw anything suspicious to contact police immediately.

“The young girl has given us a good description of the male we are looking to trace and anyone who recognises him should also get in touch.”

Those with information can contact Police Scotland on 101 or alternatively, the charity Crimestoppers on 101.