Police in County Durham has called for drivers in parts of the region to show respect and patience after a lollypop man in Spennymoor has been abused, threatened, and intimidated by some motorists during school drop-off and pick-up time.
Officers from the Spennymoor neighbourhood policing team have been made aware that several parents and other drivers have been verbally abusive to the lollypop man - leading to the worker feeling 'intimidated'.
As a result of the abuse, police have committed to additional patrols in Spennymoor - but has also warned drivers that the lollypop man is 'doing his job' and that there will be consequences for the drivers who continue their 'tirade'.
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Posting a warning online, a spokesperson for Spennymoor Neighbourhood Policing said: "Officers have been to Spennymoor at drop off and pick up times.
"It has been brought to our attention that some drivers have been disrespectful towards some crossing patrol workers.
"Please be mindful that the crossing patrol workers are there to help children and pedestrians to cross the road safely and should not be subject to verbal abuse by road users."
While police took a diplomatic approach to responding about the abuse - many social media users were quick to condemn the abuse of the lollypop man, with some branding the drivers responsible as 'shameless' and 'cowardly'.
Meanwhile, some felt stronger punishments should be brought in - with one person suggesting "these people should be fined and dealt with properly, they are intimidating this person."
After the police force shared the post, one person, who claimed to be related to the lollypop man, opened up about the abuse and reminded people to be kind.
Taking to social media, they said: " I’m sharing this post from Spennymoor police.
"My dad is doing a great job but there isn’t a day that goes by where he doesn’t nearly get knocked over, verbally abused or intimidated by drivers.
"He is only trying to keep kids safe. Please be mindful and kind."
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