Fears about attempted child abduction have again emerged in Fife as police revealed they are investigating two suspicious incidents said to have taken place less than an hour apart in different communities.
At around 3.15pm on Thursday, a pupil was spoken to by a man driving a red car outside Auchtermuchty Primary School on the Bondgate.
The child did not reply to the man and immediately made her way home, where she told her mother what happened.
Her mother informed the school who in turn contacted Police Scotland.
Less than an hour earlier in the Cardenden area, at around 2.30pm, a teenage girl was approached by a man, also said to have been in a red car, who engaged her in conversation.
She was not threatened nor was there any physical contact and the man’s intentions in approaching the girl are unknown at this stage.
Police are not currently linking the incidents but it’s understood the fact that both children described men of a similar age driving red cars is being viewed as potentially significant.
North East Fife Community Sergeant Neil Mackenzie, said of the Auchtermuchty incident: “We are keen to trace a man who was in the Bondgate yesterday and would ask him to come forward to assist us with our enquiries. He is described as white, in his 40s or early 50s, tall and of pale complexion short/balding hair and was believed to be wearing a light coloured shirt under a dark jersey. He is also believed to be using a red car.
“I would like to stress that the child was not threatened nor was there any physical contact during this incident and at this stage the man’s motives are unknown. We are working closely with Auchtermuchty Primary School and are currently carrying out enquiries in the local area.”
The driver in the Cardenden incident is described as 40 50 years of age, thin build wearing a dark hat and a long sleeved top.
Detective Inspector Hamilton, who is leading the investigation into both incidents said: “While we are not currently linking the incidents in Auchermuchty and Cardenden, we are keeping an open mind regarding them.
“I would like to assure the public that neither of the girls involved was harmed and that local communities can expect to see an increased police presence in their areas, as these investigations are undertaken.
“I have detectives investigating all of the circumstances and I would appeal to anyone with information to contact Police Scotland on 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
The incidents are the latest in a series of alleged child abduction incidents in the Fife area none of which have so far proved to have any substance.
A probe was launched following a report of an abduction attempt on a schoolgirl in Leuchars on September 24.
Following what they described as a robust inquiry, Police Scotland confirmed the case was closed with no one charged.
At that time police had already quashed rumours circulating on social media that there had been other abduction attempts.