Police have launched an investigation after a man in his 40s approached a young girl at a Lossiemouth bus stop to “offer her a lift home”.
The teenager was alone at the time, when a car pulled over to the side of the road and its driver struck up a conversation.
It is understood the tattooed man approached the youngster at the bus stop on the side of the A941 road to Elgin, between the junctions with Church Street and Macduff Street.
The girl reported the “suspicious” incident to the police shortly after it happened, between 1pm and 2.30pm on Sunday.
Yesterday, officers leading the inquiry issued a description of the man involved – but said they were keeping an open mind as to his intentions.
Constable Andy Kerr said: “At this time, there is nothing to suggest that anything untoward was intended.
“However, we would like to trace the man who was driving the car, so we can establish the full circumstances.
“He is described as a white male with short dark hair and had tattoos on one arm.
“His vehicle is described as a white four door, with a black interior.
“Extensive enquiries are currently ongoing, however I would ask anyone with information to contact the police.”
Lossiemouth Community Council has now urged parents to warn their children about the risks of accepting lifts from strangers.
The group’s chairman, Mike Mulholland, added: “This isn’t the sort of thing we hear about often around here, which is all the more reason for us to be alarmed.
“This may not have been somebody local, it could have been somebody visiting the area with something in mind.
“I would think parents of youngsters will be quite concerned.”
He added: “You would think someone in their 40s would know it is unacceptable to offer teenagers lifts in this day and age. I find that very strange.”
Anyone who thinks they may be able to help the police should call 101, or the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555111 if they would prefer to remain anonymous.
