Skopje, 5 December 2023 (MIA) - The Ministry of Interior denied Tuesday speculation reported at web portals, social media and local TV stations over an alleged attempt to kidnap a child from a schoolyard in Karbinci municipality.

According to the official police report, it was reported to the Shtip police sector that a passenger vehicle 'Golf' arrived in the schoolyard at 09.30 am, a young man came out of the vehicle and invited a pupil to enter the car so they go and have a cup of coffee, but she immediately went back to the school building and reported this to the principal. Investigation is underway, said the MoI.

It adds that publishing such speculation, used for daily politics, aims to cause panic, concern, fear and insecurity among citizens.

The MoI urges citizens to not be deceived by such speculation and thanks media outlets that check information with competent institutions.

Earlier, Karbinci Mayor Viktor Naumov said there had been an attempt to kidnap two children from the local school.

"According to my information from the school staff and the inspectors, the kidnappers attempted to put the children in the vehicle that entered the schoolyard. Security cameras have recorded the vehicle and its register plates are currently being identified," Paunov told reporters.  

He urged for calm but also called on the police to increase its presence in the area.

"We haven't had such incidents before and therefore alarm the police to take it seriously so it never happens again," added Paunov.

Photo: MIA archive