Police are investigating an incident which occurred inside a supermarket in Alice Springs on Sunday.

Police received a report that a man was acting suspiciously inside Coles Supermarket yesterday afternoon.

Superintendent Michael Murphy said it appears a 50-year-old woman had taken her two granddaughters, aged 4 and 11,  shopping around 4.30pm when she lost sight of the girls momentarily. She then saw them with a man who was holding onto the four-year-old’s arm.

“He was holding onto the little girl’s arm and talking to her when the grandmother spotted them. The 11-year-old girl had hold of the little girl’s other arm,” Supt Murphy said.

“The man fled when the grandmother began shouting at him. It’s difficult to judge the man’s motivation, however any behaviour like this is very worrying. We are now appealing for anyone who might be able to identify this man to come forward.”

“This is a timely reminder to youngsters to remember the four Rs of personal safety:

• Recognise the danger
• Refuse any offer
• Run away
• Report it to the first person you feel safe with.”

The man is described as being approximately 182cm tall with a slim build and  possibly of African appearance. He was wearing dark trousers and a dark blue short-sleeved shirt with white patterned squares. He was also wearing a large silver watch and had short brown hair.

Police are investigating the incident and are checking CCTV footage to help identify the man.

Anyone with information should phone police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Media Contact Theresa Kuilboer

8951 8825