How about talking to the people in question, telling them you find their approaches and behaviour towards your daughter inappropriate and ask them to stop, if after a few weeks they haven't adhered to your wishes then speak to the Police and make a formal complaint?, also document each conversation you have with them and they have with your child (or other family members).

Does you need an excuse to politely say no to an invitation from someone that you do not really know for your 5 year old to spend the night at their house?

Is a 'McCann's trying to steal a replacement' joke inappropriate'?

I'd go with the burning the approach, just in case.

Despite the tree huggers questioning your paranoia and cynicism, it is not normal to ask a 5 year to go for a walk in the woods without first establishing an almost-family relationship with the family first. Nor is it okay to ask a 5 year old to have a sleepover.

... would seem a good place to start.

Although I couldn't argue with anyone who finds this couple's behaviour inappropriate at best and disturbing at worst.

I think you need to form your own judgement on the people. The behaviour sounds odd as you've described it, but if your neighbours were a nice, retired couple and your kids have shown interest in their puppy they may just be being friendly. It goes without saying, if in doubt play safe. Sounds like you do have doubts, so you should make written enquiries (so it can't be white-washed as easily if the people are "known"icon_wink.gif of whoever the competent authority is.

You need to re-read what the OP wrote.

The puppy was his sons and isn't part of the current issue.

Correct. But this is extremely strange behaviour, and although it's rare it does happen.
I have two kids and I don't know anyone who has had sleepovers even with their friends families at 5, let alone two fairly random adults. I personally don't think kids that young should have sleepovers, just me. And you are right, even if you "know" someone you don't really know them that well to trust your 5 year old with them overnight.

I would be very concerned about these people.

Point taken. I read the post a while befire I posted.

It remains though that it is possible that the people have good intentions - they may, for eaxmple, worry about the kids domestic situation? (That is not any form of accusation againsat the OP (who I do not know, just like I do not know the other people), but it is at least possible).

At the end of the day, if the OP has concerns he should err on the side of caution - keep a close eye on his children and make enquiries through the proper channels as a matter of urgency - putting his concerns in writing to them, with copy to local MP if his concers are serious. That way they are much more likely to act.

On the basis of just what is written in the OP, I'd agree completely.

But the hysteria is a reality – and rlwe know where it leadsrl.

And there is a facility there if someone feels they need to explore further, beyond simply saying 'no'.

I think Standee has a point too.

I'd speak to the police again in your shoes. The other person that might be able to help/point you in the right direction is if you can find out who your local Child Protection/Safeguarding officer is at the local council.

I can't stand hysteria or vigilante type action (as I've said before on here it cost us our home when my sister died), however no adults should be approaching a 5 year old child about staying overnight without prior discussion/permission from the child's parents. That is odd, and concerning, behaviour imo.

Nobody is getting hysterical.

If the police are aware that there is a problem they will be monitoring the situation as will other agencies, especially now concerns have been raised.
Personally I think the best thing you could do is to have a word with these neighbours and tell them you are not comfortable with them asking your 5 yr old to stay over or go for walks etc.

I did not say they were getting hysterical here.

There is, however, a culture of hysteria about the issue. The link illustrated what happens as a result. There were riots around it. If that's not a result of mass hysteria, it's difficult to know what is.