Gardai are investigating after a number of alleged abduction attempts in south Dublin.
Residents are becoming concerned for their children's safety after reports of kids being approached by people in cars.
The most recent of the incidents took place in Tamarisk Avenue in Kilnamanagh, Tallaght, Dublin Live reports.
It is alleged that two young girls of primary school age were approached by a male in a car on Friday evening.
The man in question is said to have offered the youngsters sweets and told them that there were more in the back of the car.
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The horrifying event, which is said to have taken place at 5pm, left the girls frightened and both ran off.
The pair claimed that the car that the man is alleged to have been driving was a black/navy Toyota car that could possibly be a people carrier.
A source said that similar incidents have been happening throughout the area.
They said: "It could even possibly be the same person that is engineering the approaches.
"The person seems to be targeting the same age profile of children - between 10-12 years of age.
"Gardai are aware of some of the reported incidents and are looking into it."
One resident also added that this has been happening in different estates in Tallaght.
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Another reported incident involved two males acting suspiciously - and who reportedly told kids in the area that their mother had sent them to collect the children.
They said: "Most children are aware not to accept sweets from children.
"Encourage your child to report this to you if it happens and then, please, report to 999.
"If anyone sees anything suspicious try and get the number of the car and ring 999.
"Please share and keep your eyes open. don't presume these guys won't approach your child, they are devious."
