Children seen playing close to A120 in Harwich

Police in Harwich have issued a warning to parents in the town after receiving several reports about children playing close to the A120.

Officers were called on January 29, 2011 by a concerned member of the public who reported seeing a group of children climbing through a gap in the fence and onto the Colchester-bound side of the road, approximately 200 yards off the Parkeston roundabout.

Pc Michelle-Louise Pettegree, from Harwich Neighbourhood Policing Team, said it was important for parents to know what their children were doing.

She said: "It’s clear that children have been playing in the wooded area next to the road, but what is worrying is that they have been going through a gap in the fence onto the road.

"We’re not trying to ruin anyone’s fun, but the A120 is a busy, fast road and any pedestrians going near it need to take care,” she added."

Pc Pettegree advised parents to make sure their children were aware of the dangers of playing near busy roads. For more information, contact Harwich police station on 0300 333 4444.