FRIGHTENED parents have warned others to be vigilant after a suspicious man was apparently filming youngsters in and around skate parks.

Louise Hill’s 12-year-old son was quizzed by a lone black man at Boada Skatepark, in Shrub End, just before 9pm on May 30.

The boy and his two friends, aged 12 and 14, were asked their names and where they lived.

The boys said the man’s camera was switched on and he appeared to be having a conversation using a hands-free kit.

One of the boys saw three men sat around a table on the screen and heard the man ask, ‘What one do you want?’.

The whole exchange lasted a few minutes before the boys left quickly.

Mrs Hill, who lives on the St Michael’s estate in Colchester, explained her son’s curfew is currently 9pm.

She said he is passionate about riding his scooter and regularly visits the park to practise his skills.

She said: “I wondered if this man was trying to steal their scooters but given the guy in question looked about 25 to 30-years-old, I’d question why he’d want one.

“Everything goes through your head and although I don’t want to create a big drama, what if it’s something sinister?

“My son was flustered when he got home. He banged on the front door, then said to my husband and I he had to tell us something. From then it kept spilling out.

“We were absolutely livid. My husband drove straight to the skate park and spoke to some older boys who said they’d seen this guy but weren’t approached.”

Debbie Munson, a campaigner who attempted to save Colchester’s Empire skatepark, said parents have shared more incidents.

One girl was pestered by what is believed to be the same man on May 31 in Baronswood Way, Shrub End.

He kept demanding her mobile number and for her to get into his car.

There was also an incident involving a 19-year-old girl in a wooded area behind the nearby Londis convenience store.

It has not been confirmed if it involves the same man.

Mrs Munson said: “Outdoor skateparks do attract some unacceptable behaviour and children are vulnerable.

“These recent incidences are a threat to all children. Anyone using the Cowdray Avenue site can report anything untoward at Leisure World.”

Anyone with information or to report an incident should contact Colchester police station on 101, quoting the incident number 352.