Urgent warning issued after man in white van approaches schoolchildren in Sydney's ritzy North Shore suburb

An urgent warning is in place after a man in a white van allegedly approached schoolchildren in Sydney's affluent North Shore suburb of Northbridge, offering lollies and asking if they wanted a ride. NSW Police confirmed that a 10-year-old boy was approached by a man driving a white ute on Tuesday afternoon on Baringa Road, near St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School, around 4:30 p.m. The driver spoke to the boy before driving away, and investigators have since begun probing the incident. The school alerted families to the event in an email sent to parents, describing how a parent from another school reported the encounter and noting that the child was safe and did not engage with the driver.

St Phillip Neri Catholic Primary School in Northbridge issued the advisory this week, telling parents that the parent who reported the incident said the children were walking to an after-school activity when a man in a white van stopped nearby, offered lollies, and asked if they wanted a ride. The email said the parent notified police and other families to spread awareness, and it added that school counsellors would be available at classes to discuss safe behaviour and to help students who may feel unsettled. It urged families who typically have children walking home after school to consider making alternative arrangements if needed.

Police have described the inquiry as ongoing. A NSW Police spokesperson said investigators are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry after reports that a 10-year-old was approached by a man in a white ute on Tuesday afternoon and then the vehicle drove away. The spokesperson added that while the incident is being investigated, there is no confirmation of further incidents at this stage. Authorities are urging anyone with information or dashcam footage from the area to contact North Shore police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Community reaction on social media has reflected concern among parents in the area, with many noting prior reports of similar encounters in nearby parks and suburbs. Posts referenced past incidents at locations such as Willoughby Park and North Sydney, though officials have not linked those reports to this event. Still, residents are reminded to remain vigilant, supervise children closely, and report any suspicious behaviour to police.

Northbridge sits on Sydney's lower North Shore and is known as a wealthy, residential area. The incident underscores ongoing safety concerns in urban environments where children travel to school and engage in after-school activities. Police have stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious encounters immediately and avoiding speculation about motives or connections to other alleged incidents. The investigation continues as authorities review available evidence and interview witnesses to determine whether the driver or vehicle matches prior reports or patterns described by residents.