Warning after balaclava-clad boy tries to 'lure child to party' in Walsall
A school has issued a warning after a balaclava-wearing lad tried to lure a young boy away 'to a party' while he was playing at Walsall Arboretum.
St Michael's Primary has urged parents to stay alert after the reception-aged youngster was invited to leave the Arboretum during half term by another boy, who only looked about eight or nine.
The balaclava-clad boy apparently complimented the young child on his Wolverhampton Wanderers hat, and asked him if he wanted to come and show it to his brother.
The incident has been reported to the police by the five-year-old boy's concerned mother.
Headteacher at St Michael's Ros Hutchinson said she sent out the warning this week just to make sure parents were aware.
"I had a parent come in - she has a child in reception who must be about five - she said they were at the arboretum on Friday half term with friends," she said. "Her child was playing when he was approached by an eight or nine-year-old boy on a bike who asked him if he wanted to come to a party for a little while.
"The child ignored him, so he said he liked his Wolves hat and did he want to come and show his brother.
"The mother was only feet away and didn't think anything of it at first as the boy was only a child, but as he turned she could see he was wearing a balaclava. There was also a man standing near him, who was there one minute and gone the next.
"Her son ran over to her then and the boy cycled off.
"It could have been completely innocent but she wanted to report it to the school and police."
The school, based in Maple Road, is now speaking to children about 'stranger danger' after the incident on Friday.
West Midlands Police has been contacted for a comment.
