Parents and pupils are being urged to be vigilant following a number of reports of strangers approaching schoolchildren in the Trafford area.
Last week, a 15-year-old girl was approached by a man in a car in Urmston while on her way back home late at night. Meanwhile, in the days leading up to half term, three schools – Ashton-on-Mersey High School, Sale; Urmston Grammar School and St Hilda’s Primary School, Stretford - emailed parents following incidents.
Two of the incidents involved a man approaching pupils on foot, while the other involved three men in a blue car. They started to follow a pupil and asked her to get into the car but she ran back home.
Police have been alerted about the incidents.
Cllr Jane Baugh, Trafford Council Executive member for Children's Services, said:
We are thankful that these incidents are rare but we would urge pupils and parents to take care, especially now the nights are drawing in. All pupils deserve to feel safe travelling to and from their place of learning.
Inspector Christopher Sutcliffe, of GMP's Trafford borough said:
Understandably, parents will be worried by these reports but I can reassure them that we take calls like this very seriously. Each call is investigated independently and at this stage there is nothing to suggest any of the incidents are linked. In response to the calls local patrols were directed to patrol the area and we have been carrying out a number of enquiries including reviewing CCTV. I would encourage parents to speak to their children about keeping safe when out and about, and remind them never to go off with a stranger, accept gifts from a stranger, or get in to a vehicle with anyone they don't know.
Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Posted on Friday 16th November 2018