Police investigating two suspicious incidents in the Chesterfield area are appealing for information and asking parents to remind youngsters not to talk to strangers.
An 11 year-old girl and a 12 year-old girl were leaving a park on Harehill Road, Grangewood, at around 2.30pm on Tuesday, January 1 when a man drove past in a car and called out to them.
Both girls ran off and it is not thought he tried to follow them.
The man is described as white with dark hair, and wearing a black coat. He was driving a black hatchback car.
Community Safety Inspector Russ Dakin said: “Fortunately the girls quickly left the area but we are concerned about the man’s behaviour and would like to speak to him.
“We would appeal for anyone who may have seen anything suspicious, or noticed a similar car in the area at the time of the incident to contact us.”
A 21-year-old man from the Chesterfield area has been arrested in connection with a second incident in Inkersall, also on Tuesday, January 1.
Two 13-year-old girls reported a man making a lewd gesture to them as he drove past while they were walking along Hillman Drive.
The man has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Officers do not believe the incidents in Inkersall and Grangewood are connected.
Insp. Dakin said “Parents should not be unduly worried about these incidents but we would ask them to speak to youngsters about personal safety and what to do if they are approached by a stranger.
“It is important they know not to speak to strangers, to never go with them or accept anything from them and to go home or to school as quickly as they can if they are approached by a stranger. They should also tell a parent, teacher, police officer or someone they trust as soon as they can about what happened.”
Anyone with information should contact Derbyshire police on 101, the non emergency number or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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