ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Police in Newfoundland are looking for information about posters put up near two schools in St. John's warning parents about an alleged sex offender.
They include a photo of a man, and claim that "a registered sex offender is lurking in the area."
It was not clear Thursday afternoon who put up the posters. They allege the man has been taking pictures of kids playing, and warn: "Your children are at risk."
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in a statement Thursday said the man isn't, in fact, a registered sex offender — but then quickly retracted it, only saying the investigation continues.
The Newfoundland and Labrador English School District says staff at Larkhall Academy elementary school told police earlier this week about "an individual of concern."
"There was no threat towards students," district spokesman Ken Morrissey said in an emailed statement.
"Larkhall Academy has sent notifications to parents and guardians to encourage them to have conversations with their children about strangers and personal safety."
Staff at Leary's Brook Junior High across the street reached out to parents with the same message, Morrissey said.
"The school will also have these conversations with students and, as always, will act in the best interest of student safety."
Morrissey said the schools and district are working with police.
"I was kind of relieved to see a picture of who this might be," said Jennifer Brown, a mother of two pupils at Larkhall Academy.
"It's nicer to know if these people are in this area."
Several adults who stopped to look at one of the posters on a street light near the school could be heard telling children to beware of a "bad man."
