An appeal has gone out for vigilance and caution after a young girl suffered what has been described as a “distressing and traumatic experience” in Newry.
The incident happened early on Tuesday morning in the area of the Old Warrenpoint Road.
Newry City Sinn Féin Councillor Valerie Harte has urged residents living there to “exercise vigilance and caution” after being contacted about an incident.
She explained: “Early this morning – around 12.30am – a young girl was walking on the road and noticed a man stepping out from the side of the charity shop shop beside the filling station.
“He got down and crawled through the long grass, and when she turned round he had now got to his feet and was on the same side of the road as her.
“She ran towards the graveyard but when she looked back, he had disappeared.
“This was a distressing and traumatic experience for this young girl and my thoughts are with her.”
Councillor Harte confirmed she has made contact with the “relevant authorities”.
She added: “I have asked them to check the two premises on the road for CCTV, in the hope of apprehending the individual involved.
“Once again we see one of our communities feeling fear, please be vigilant and exercise caution. Should anyone notice anything suspicious, contact the police immediately.”
