Warning after man tries to grab schoolgirl, 10 (From Leigh Journal)

Warning after man tries to grab schoolgirl, 10

11:27am Wednesday 2nd December 2009

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PARENTS have been urged not to panic after a 10-years-old girl was followed as she walked to school.

The incident happened on Wednesday, November 25, in Spa Road, Atherton, after she noticed a man standing near to a telephone box at the junction of Fletcher Avenue.

He winked at her, beckoned her to him and then began to cross the road towards her.

At this point, the girl decided to run and when she looked back she saw him running after her, only a short distance behind.

He reached out to grab her but when he failed to do so he crossed the road and went into a park.

The man is described as black, aged around 40 with a big bald patch and short black and grey hair around the sides. He also has a large grey and black beard and is of average height.

He was wearing a camouflage jacket and trousers with black boots which were covered with bin bags.

PC Anthony Evason of Atherton police said: "These type of incidents are thankfully rare and I would urge people not to panic.

"However, children should always take precautions when walking to and from school by only taking routes they are familiar with, which are well lit and in groups of two or more.

"If any other children are approached while walking to or from school by anyone they do not know they should go to the nearest safe place and tell an adult."

Anyone who has information about this incident should call police on 0161 872 5050 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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