Police called following alleged attempted abduction of Henley Primary student

Western suburbs parents can rest easier, after police said online reports of an attempted abduction of a Year 5 student who was walking to school were “incorrect and misleading”.

SAPOL investigated after reports were made of an alleged abduction attempt of a Henley Primary student.

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Police have labelled online social media reports of an attempted abduction of a student from a western suburbs school as “incorrect and misleading”.

One story posted online last night, which was shared 960 times, said a man had allegedly tried to lure a Year 5 Henley Primary student into his car on September 2, about 8.30am.

It said the student informed teachers of the incident, and police were called.

SAPOL confirmed police were notified of a stranger seen near the grounds of the Hazel Terrace school and attended.

“Police searched the area but did not locate anyone matching the description provided,” they said.

“No students were approached.

“While the behaviour may be suspicious, and police encourage the reporting of suspicious behaviour, we would stress that no actual offence took place.”

Police said that “responsible reporting” of this incident was “vital to avoid generating unnecessary public fear”.

It follows police investigating two similar incidents at Grange Primary last week, of students allegedly being approached by strangers behaving suspiciously in cars.

“Police had received similar reports of suspicious behaviour at Grange last month, which were investigated and police found no cause for alarm,” SAPOL said.

“Police are proactively consulting with school officials and have maintained a highly visible presence around the school to further reassure students and parents.”

An Education Department spokesman encouraged parents to speak with their children about personal safety.

“This could include making it clear to your child who within your circle of family and friends is trusted to do the school drop off and pick up,” he said.

“If students are feeling vulnerable the advice is to go back to school, to a place of business or to make contact with a trusted adult.”

Anyone who sees any suspicious behaviour in or around schools is asked to report it to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or in an emergency call triple zero.