A report of a child being approached at a park in Darling Harbour was actually an innocent misunderstanding.

Last night (Wednesday 7 June 2017) a man presented himself to Bankstown Police Station after police issued a media release and photograph as part of their investigations.

It had been reported that a man approached a 19-month-old boy at Tumbalong Park and attempted to pick him up.

Sydney City Crime Manager, Detective Acting Inspector David Gates, said the man attended the station to clarify the situation.

“With the help of an interpreter, the man explained the child looked unsteady on his feet, and he was simply trying to help him.

“When the boy’s father approached him, he was unable to convey this due to the language barrier and left the area.

“Police have reviewed CCTV that supports the man’s explanation and are now comfortable there was no malice involved. We have spoken with the boy’s family who indicated they were happy with the outcome of the investigation.

“While in this case no offence was committed, police need to investigate all reports of this nature and treat them as serious until they are deemed not to be.

“We would like to thank the public, the media and most importantly the man for coming forward and helping us resolve the matter,” Detective Acting Inspector Gates said.

I must admit when I read this story the other day I really felt that it was an innocent misunderstanding.

Is this really what it has come down to for males today? Surely they don’t deserve to always feel like someone is watching over their shoulder when they are out in public in fear of being a paedophile.

Earlier this year we shared the story of a single father on a short break with his teenage daughter who was shocked when hotel employees called police over fears he was a paedophile. Read more on that here.

We shared the story of a new dad left horrified after he was told he was a ‘dirty old man’ for taking his seven-week-old baby into the parents’ room. Read more about that HERE.

Do you find it sad that this is what kind of world we are living in and raising our children in today? A world full of fear all the time?

Share your comments below.

Image via getty

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