An urgent warning has been issued to parents after reports a man “lunged” at a schoolgirl.
Parents and carers of pupils at Flixton Girls School in Urmston, Manchester, were sent the notice after claims a man “walked towards” a year seven (ages 10-11) pupil as she was walking home from school. The man is then alleged to have “stopped and stared at her” as well as “lunging” towards her.
The terrifying incident on Tuesday afternoon (January 14) was reported after an “attempted abduction” of an 11-year-old child in nearby Irlam, just three miles from the scene that same morning. The girl in that scenario was “grabbed” by an unknown man and woman.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed it was investigating the Irlam incident, which took place at a junction between Silver Street and Cutnook Lane in the residential area of the city. The two suspects had been driving in the locality in a car and van before quickly making off from the scene, Manchester Evening News reports, with the incident being treated as an attempted abduction.
Police described the man as white, around 5ft 9ins tall with short dark hair. He was clean-shaven and wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie. The woman was also described as white, wearing leggings and a black hoodie. The car is described as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new, and with a sliding door.
The latest warning sent out by the girls school reads: “We have been made aware of an incident that took place near school yesterday afternoon, whereby a year 7 student of ours on her way home, was approached by a stranger. The man, who was walking towards her on Bowfell Road, stopped and stared at her, before walking closer to her, then blocked her way and lunged to wards her, deliberately scaring her.
“The man has been described as average height, dark hair, dark eyes, dark skin, possibly Asian. We believe there was also an incident in Irlam yesterday morning whereby a young girl was approached and grabbed by strangers.
“These incidents have been reported to the police, and the victims supported. We would be very grateful if you could speak to your children about ensuring they are safe and aware of their surroundings while out in the community.
“Any concerning incidents or behaviour should be reported to the police straight away, and if your child is affected by anything like this, police do let our Welfare team know so they can be supported in school.”
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