Brisbane father speaks out after abduction attempt at Algester State School

The father of a nine-year-old boy has spoken about a stranger’s attempt to abduct his son during a busy school pick-up in Brisbane’s south.

Police patrol school grounds. File picture

A concerned Brisbane father has taken to social media claiming a stranger attempted to abduct his young son during a busy school pick-up on Friday.

Kev Patel said his nine-year-old son was approached by a stranger and offered a lollipop inside the gates of Algester State School about 3pm on Friday, May 9.

“Our son was approached by a strange man near the small tree just inside the school gate on Ridgewood Road,” Mr Patel wrote on social media early Saturday morning.

“The man, who appeared to be in his 20s, showed him a lollipop and asked, ‘Do you like lollipops?’ My son replied, ‘Yes, I do.’ The man then offered it to him, which he refused.

“The man said, ‘Come, let’s go, I have a big lollipop shop.’ When my son said no again, the man grabbed his hand and said ‘No argument’ and began pulling him toward the gate.”

Mr Patel said his brave son then yelled ‘Help! Help! Help!’.

“A boy from class 4A (name not mentioned for privacy) saw what was happening but assumed it was a father joking with his child, so he laughed and walked away,” he said.

“As the man pulled our son toward the gate, our son bit his arm to break free and ran straight to my wife’s car, parked about 100 metres away.

“We immediately contacted the school and spoke to (the Deputy Principal) at the spot it happened, where our son described everything.

“We were shocked to learn there are no CCTV cameras in that area of the school. Our son also said he’s seen this man a few times before around the gate area. He was wearing black track pants, a black jacket and black shoes.”

Mr Patel said he reported the “disturbing” incident to the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and has since ordered his son a smart watch with built in GPS and SOS button for emergencies.

“Our son has been left shaken, and so have we. To think someone could be preying on children in our own community is horrifying,” he said.

“If anyone witnessed this incident and thought it looked like a playful moment between father and son, PLEASE get in touch — any details about this man’s appearance, clothing, or vehicle could be vital.

“If you live on Ridgewood Road near the school and have CCTV cameras, please check your footage from (Friday afternoon) and reach out if anything seems suspicious.

“And if you’re the parent or guardian of a boy in class 4A who may have seen this, could you kindly speak to him and see if he recalls anything further? Your help would be sincerely appreciated.”

Mr Patel encouraged the school community to speak to their kids about “staying safe and speaking up”.

“We never thought something like this would happen to our family, but it did. Let’s work together to keep all our children safe.”

A Department of Education spokesperson said they were aware of a “report made to staff of Algester State School regarding an unknown adult approaching a student”.

“The school has engaged with the parents and student involved about the matter and continues to offer support,” they said.

“Support will also be available to any other member of the school community who requires it.

“Communication is being sent to all parents and carers, encouraging them to remain vigilant and to reinforce safety and stranger awareness messages.”

QPS have been contacted for comment.

Originally published as Brisbane father speaks out after abduction attempt at Algester State School