Please don't take law into your own hands (From Warrington Guardian)

Please don't take law into your own hands

VIGILANTE attacks are being directed against a paedophile living in the town, according to concerned community leaders.

Fears have been raised that a man who was given a sexual offences prevention order in March is being targeted.

Magistrates prevented the 35-year-old, who has previous convictions for sexual offences against children, from being named.

But Mike Kennedy, chairman of the Federation of Tenant and Resident Associations in Cheshire, said: "Because he hasn't been named there has been a lot of rumours flying about and a lot of concerned parents.

"There has been an incident in which a car was smashed up and I fear that may be connected with this.

"It may be the person in question or it may be mistaken identity but this is a serious problem that needs to be sorted out."

Mr Kennedy is now preparing to meet with police officials to find out what can be done to ease public fears.

He said: "There is an outcry over this and I really do fear it is going to get out of hand.

"I need some information so that when people ask me about it I can give them some kind of an answer.

"Parents are coming to me saying they won't let their children out to play."

A police spokeswoman could not confirm whether there have been any attacks directed against the man in question. Mr Kennedy is now appealing to residents not to take the matter into their own hands.

He said: "This issue must be dealt with sensitively and I would urge caution with this. I am pleased I will be able to meet with the police to discuss what can be done to prevent any incidents relating to this happening in the future. This has to be cleared up now."