Manchester parents have received a warning following reports of a man allegedly ‘lunging’ at a schoolgirl, just a mere three miles away from a recent ‘attempted abduction’ incident involving an 11-year-old.
A concerning letter was issued to parents and guardians of Flixton Girls School in Urmston, detailing an incident where a man reportedly ‘approached’ a year 7 student and proceeded to ‘stare at her’.
He then reportedly ‘lunged towards her’ in an attempt to scare her, Manchester Evening News reported.
It happened the same day an 11-year-old girl was ‘grabbed by a man and a woman’ in an attempted abduction while she was on her way to school.
She was approached on Silver Street in Irlam, Manchester at 8.30am on Tuesday.
The girl managed to run away before telling an adult what happened.
Flixton Girls School referenced the incident in their letter to parents.
The official communication, distributed to parents on Wednesday, outlined the unsettling event stating, ‘We have been informed about an occurrence that transpired near our premises yesterday afternoon. A year 7 student of ours was on her way back home when she was approached by a stranger.’
A letter was sent out to parents and carers of Flixton Girls School in Urmston (pictured)
‘The man who was walking towards her on Bowfell Road, stopped and stared at her, before walking towards her, then blocked her way and lunged towards 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 (Silver St) 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 grateful if you could speak to your children about ensuring they stay safe and are 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, please do let our Welfare team know so they can be supported in school.’
Greater Manchester Police has launched an investigation into the ‘attempted abduction’ of the girl in Irlam and on Wednesday said they had deployed extra officers to the local area.
Officers believe the pair were driving around the area in a car and van but they have not specified who was driving which vehicle.
The man was white, 5ft 9in tall, with short dark hair. He was clean-shaven and wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie.
The woman is described as white, and wearing leggings and a black hoodie.
A girl was approached on Silver Street in Irlam, Manchester, at 8.30amon Tuesday
Officers said the car was a black four-door vehicle and the van was small and white, looking new and had a sliding door.
Police urged anyone who lives in the area to check any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident.
Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, said: ‘This is of course a concerning and distressing incident and I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to investigate the circumstances.
‘We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed something or has footage from around the time of the incident.
‘We would urge anyone with any information to please get in touch, as your assistance could be greatly beneficial to our work.’
‘We are ensuring that the girl and the family are being kept-up-to date and supported at this time.’
A Greater Manchester Police statement read: ‘At around 8.30am January 14 an 11-year-old girl walking to school reported being approached by a male and female on Silver Street, Irlam, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane.
‘It is believed the pair had been driving in the area in a car and a van.
‘The two then grabbed hold of the girl before she was able to run away and later inform an adult.
‘Officers are currently investigating the incident and have deployed extra officers to the local area for reassurance as their enquiries continue.’
