PARENTS are being reminded to be vigilant after two incidents where young boys were approached.

Dorset Police have said two incidents, one where a 10-year-old boy was grabbed by the scruff of the neck in Sherborne and another where a 9-year-old boy was approached by a man who tried to entice him into a car, are ‘possibly linked’ as the description of the offender is ‘quite similar.’

Officers are appealing for witnesses and are reminding parents to be vigilant and report any concerns they have to them.

The latest incident took place at around 5.15pm on Wednesday at the bottom of Rabin Hill in Sturminster Newton.

Officers said a car, described as an orange Ford Fiesta or Focus, pulled up next to the 9-year-old boy and the man ask him whether the boy wanted to get into the car.

The boy declined and walked away. The man then drove off.

The driver is described as white, in his mid-twenties, of skinny build with brown hair and a beard.

He was wearing a black sweat shirt. Detective Constable Tony O’Connell, of Western CID, said: “We are investigating the incident.

“Witnesses and anyone with information about the incident should contact Dorset Police.

“I would like to remind parents and children to be vigilant and to report any concerns to the police on 101.”

Last week, officers launched an appeal for witnesses after a man grabbed a 10-year-old boy by the scruff of his neck.

The incident happened near a park along Bristol Road, Sherborne at around 7pm on Friday, September 12.

The boy managed to pull himself free from the man before running home. At the time, police said they were keen to speak to the owner of a black car that was seen nearby, as the motorist may have information that could help the investigation.

A spokesman for Dorset Police said: “We are treating the incidents as possibly linked, because the description of the offender is quite similar.”

North Dorset Neighbourhood Inspector, Rob Chalkley, said: “Thankfully, these types of incidents are extremely rare and are taken very seriously by Dorset Police.

“Enquiries are still ongoing and investigating officers are keeping an open mind at this stage. The local Safer Neighbourhood Officers are working closely with local schools, parents and communities to offer advice and reassurance.

“My advice for parents / guardians for their children is: 

  • Don’t talk to strangers or anyone who makes you feel uneasy.
  • Always tell a trusted grown up where you are going.
  • Don’t go off with someone you don’t know, no matter what.
  • If approached by someone who makes you feel uneasy, shout loudly to cause a disturbance and tell your parents, teacher or some else in authority like a police officer.
  • Consider a password system if you arrange for someone else to collect your child from anywhere.”

No arrests have been made so far, officers said. Witnesses and anyone with information about either incident should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101.

The crime number for the Sturminster Newton incident is 17-362 and the crime number for the Sherborne incident is 12-391.