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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

to be concerned about this boy?

15 replies

KirjavaTheCorpse · 31/10/2014 13:30

I just popped to the shops along my road and encountered a little boy who I think may be in some trouble, and I'm not sure what to do.

I was browsing in the aisle and he politely asked me to move a bit so he could get past. Then he turned to me and asked me if I knew where a train station was that would take him to London. He looked to be about 8/9 years old, and the only train station in our town is a couple of miles away, so if he was local he'd know that. He was also sporting a fresh black eye and cuts on his face. He looked like he'd been beaten up.

"The train station is in town"
"Which direction? Can I walk there?"
"Where's your mum...?"
"She's in London"
"You want to go to London alone?"
"I'm staying with my nan. You're police innit"
"No, I'm not police... I'm just a bit worried. How'd you hurt yourself?"
"I'm fine, I'm fine, I'm staying with my nan..."
"Are you ok?"

At this point he looked very nervous, and started walking out of the shop. I followed him, and he stood at the door and called to one of the boys that were standing outside who looked about the same age, who came over and asked what's up.

"See? This is my cousin, this is my little cousin" pointing to the boy. Boy looked confused.

And then they left.

I came back inside and the shop assistant asked what was wrong, so I explained. He said he'd seen the boy the day before hanging around outside with the same boys.

Would you still be worried?

OP posts:
StillStayingClassySanDiego · 31/10/2014 13:31

Yes I'd be concerned, log it with the police on the non emergency number perhaps?

sooperdooper · 31/10/2014 13:33

Yes, it does sounds a bit odd, but I'm not sure what you could do? Maybe report it via non emergency number and see if a police patrol in the area could see if they can find him? Poor kid, it does sound like not everything is right there at all :(

LadyLuck10 · 31/10/2014 13:34

Yes I would be concerned. Log with the police, if he's hanging around the area they might be able to find him and help. Poor boy.

thornrose · 31/10/2014 13:34

I would be worried to be honest yes.

BolshierAyraStark · 31/10/2014 13:42

I'd be concerned, call the non emergency police number & tell them.

KirjavaTheCorpse · 31/10/2014 13:44

Thanks, I will. Just needed to be told I'm not being an interfering fool!

OP posts:
Hatespiders · 31/10/2014 13:45

Definitely something wrong here. You'd be quite right to call the Police and let them know.
(I can never forget that poor little Jamie Bulger case. Not the same circumstances I know, but if only someone had called the Police...)

GallbladderFairy · 31/10/2014 13:45

Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. Poor boy :(

atticusclaw · 31/10/2014 13:45

Yes definitely notify the police

WorraLiberty · 31/10/2014 13:48

I'd ring 101 and tell the police what you've told us.

I'm sure they'll send someone to the shop, to have a look at the CCTV.

Or to go to the train station.

britbat · 31/10/2014 13:57

It's halloween. It's half term. His 'injuries' were probably makeup. He may have been trying to pickpocket you.

Call the police either way, but more likely to be part of a scam or prank than 'at risk'.

avocadotoast · 31/10/2014 13:59

britbat, seriously?! An 8 year old wouldn't be able to do makeup well enough for it to look like real cuts and bruises.

It might be nothing, but if it were me, I'd definitely log it with the police.

KirjavaTheCorpse · 31/10/2014 14:07

They were definitely real bruises, the cuts weren't gory gashes they were small injuries.

Well, police have been informed. S'pose that's all I can do.

OP posts:
WorraLiberty · 31/10/2014 14:09

Well done OP

Hopefully they'll take a look into it and warn other officers to be on the lookout for the boys.

BolshierAyraStark · 31/10/2014 14:13

Well done, it might be nothing but best they look into it.

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