A Brisbane father has raised concerns about a lack of CCTV at his son’s school after a stranger approached him inside the school gates, offering him a sweet.
Kev Patel took to social media on Friday to share how his nine-year-old son was allegedly grabbed by an unknown man at Algester State School, Brisbane, at about 3pm.
In a post, seen by The Courier Mail, Mr Patel claimed the man believed to be in his 20s showed his son a lollipop and asked: ‘Do you like lollipops?’
‘My son replied, “Yes, I do.” The man then offered it to him, which he refused,’ he said.
‘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 son bit the man’s arm as he was being pulled towards the gate before running to his mother’s car which was 100m away.
‘We immediately contacted the school and spoke to (the Deputy Principal) at the spot it happened, where our son described everything.’
The boy’s father has raised concerns about the lack of CCTV at the gates of Algester State School, Brisbane, which the strange man reportedly entered through
A nine-year-old boy was approached by a stranger during school pick-up hours (stock image)
‘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.
‘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.’
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Algester State School and Queensland Police Service for comment.
Mr Patel said his son now has a smart watch, including GPS and an emergency button, following the incident.
‘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.
He has also pleaded with anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact him, including people who live on Ridgewood Road near the school and have CCTV.
A spokesperson for the Department of Education has issued a statement about the reported incident.
The stranger reportedly asked the boy whether he wanted a lollipop before attempting to grab him and take him away from the school (stock image)
‘The safety and welfare of students and staff is the department’s highest priority,’ it said.
‘The department is 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.’
The department said support will be available for any other member of the school community.
A communication is due to be sent to all parents and carers encouraging them ‘to remain vigilant and to reinforce safety and stranger awareness messages’.
