Gardai urge caution as 9-year-old girl unsuccessfully encouraged into pick-up truck near Banagher

Gardai in Banagher are urging caution as they investigate an incident that saw a male driver unsuccessfully encourage a young female cyclist into a pick-up truck on the Cloghan/Taylors Cross Road close to the town last Thursday, October 31.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent Banagher’s Sergeant Kevin Ganley said the incident was brought to garda attention just before 1pm last Thursday by the girl’s mother, after her nine year old daughter told her what had happened as she cycled home from a neighbour’s house.

Describing the incident, Sgt Ganley said the young local girl was in a predominantly rural area when the male driver of a pick-up truck with a white cab and a blue body asked if she wanted to go into Banagher with him.

She didn’t answer and continued home before explaining what happened to her mother, Sgt Ganley said.

Gardai are currently viewing CCTV as part of their investigations into the incident. Sgt Ganley meanwhile has advised caution if approached by strangers.

“If somebody you don’t know pulls up don’t entertain them at all,” he said. “Continue on home.”