Two schools have issued warnings to parents after reports of ‘suspicious’ men

Kids reported that they were 'suspiciously approached'.

Two schools in Dublin have issued warnings to parents after children were approached by men. The two incidents happened in separate occasions, one in Castleknock and one in Clondalkin, while children were walking home from school. The first incident happened on Monday when a young girl was approached by a man, who grabbed her and ordered her to go with him. She was walking on the main Laurel Lodge Road close to the shops in Castleknock, Dublin 15, and luckily escaped. According to the Gardaí, at 3:40pm, when she reached Castleknock Drive she was approached by a young man, who she didn't know. Locals say that "he grabbed hold of her and told her she had to come with him. She kicked him in the shin and ran home." Gardaí made a statement after the incident, saying: "The incident occurred on Castleknock Drive on the March 5 at approximately 3.40pm. It’s understood a male youth, not previously known to the girl, approached and spoke to her. "The girl became frightened, ran from the scene and raised the alarm. "Gardaí in Blanchardstown are investigating all of the circumstances surrounding the matter. Anyone with information is asked to contact Blanchardstown Garda Station 01 6667000." The second incident happened near the Sacred Heart National School in Clondalkin, Dublin 22. Parents received a WhatsApp message from the school's principal, Liam Kelly, saying that they should talk to their children about their safety walking home from school. "There has been a report of a man approaching two children on their way to school this morning. "The man asked them some questions and the children were uncomfortable. The children had the awareness to seek help immediately at the school. Please ensure you talk to your children, in a calm and appropriate manner, about how to handle situations of this nature." Gardaí say they have spoken to a man however, and believe that there was no malicious intent.