The St Catherine North police are searching for an ice cream vendor who fled from a mob that claimed they caught him fondling a primary-school student recently.

Reports are that the man, who sells ice cream and other items, has not been seen since the alleged incident which occurred three weeks ago.

Police reported that the vendor went to the school gate and was seen talking to the girl. It is said that the man then began fondling her. It is alleged that a woman who had been noticing the man, approached him and pulled away the child.

She sounded an alarm, however, by the time people gathered, apparently to inflict their own brand of justice on the man, he made a hasty getaway.

When THE STAR spoke to members of the school's Parent-Teacher Association they expressed shock at the incident.

A parent said, "I am really saddened by this criminal act, to know that this man was just passing through and decided to violate the innocent child. I want him to be caught."

The parent further stated that the man being sought is not a regular vendor.

When THE STAR spoke to the police investigator he said; "The incident is one that seems isolated, however, it cannot be taken for granted."

It is said that since the incident parents and other persons have become far more vigilant.

Efforts by THE STAR to speak to representatives of the school yesterday proved futile.