Police are investigating after a primary school boy was forced to run from three men in a white van in Perth's northern suburbs.
It is unknown what school the boy was from, but the incident occurred last Thursday afternoon on Marina Boulevard, near Ocean Reef Primary School.
The school has not yet responded to a request for comment but the Catholic Education Office has emailed other schools in the area, including Whitford Catholic Primary School, Prendiville Catholic College and St Simon Peter Catholic Primary School, with a warning.
The email said at 4.40pm, three men in a white van with red and blue writing on it approached the student.
"The three men tried to encourage the student to get into the van, however the student refused and ran home. One of the men was described as having grey curly hair," the email, which schools forwarded to parents, said.
"In light of this incident, I urge all students to take care when going to and from school, and to report anything suspicious to parents, school and the police."
Police confirmed the incident was under investigation. The registration number of the van was not known.
Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The CEO gave parents tips to tell children to help them stay safe, including:
- Travel in company
- Walk on the right hand side of the road so you face oncoming traffic
- Wherever possible, leave space between yourself and the roadway
- Stay in areas that are well lit
- Plan trips to avoid areas hidden from view (such as bush or behind shopping centres)
- Keep earphones and headphones off to stay aware of surroundings
- Keep mobile phones turned on and ready to dial an emergency number
- Keep away from cars that stop nearby
- Do not hesitate to run if you feel at risk
- Repeat this advice to younger siblings
- Report suspicious behaviour to parents, school and the police
- If safe, photograph or memorise the number plate of suspicious cars
- Report number plates and descriptions of threatening people to police