Urgent parent warning as two children ‘grabbed by strangers’ in two separate abduction attempts just 6 miles apart
TWO children were grabbed by strangers in separate abduction attempts just six miles apart this week.
Greater Manchester Police urged parents to remain vigilant after one child was grabbed by the throat and another was approached by a man and woman.
Parents from Moorlands Junior School in Sale, Manchester, were informed a pupil had been targeted in an “unprovoked” incident on Thursday.
The child was allegedly grabbed by the throat by a stranger on their way home from school.
The school later sent a warning note to parents, reports Manchester Evening News.
It read: “Urgent message-apologies as this is quite shocking.
“We have just been informed of a very nasty incident where a stranger has grabbed hold of one of our children by the throat, on Broad Road, as they were walking home.
“This was unprovoked. This has been reported to the police.
“Can I please suggest that all children are dropped off at and picked up from school tomorrow whilst investigations are ongoing.
“The child concerned is safe but quite shook up. Thank you to the parents that intervened and got them home safely.”
A notice from St Anne’s primary school nearby said: “I do not wish to cause panic in our community but would highly recommend that you think carefully about arrangements for walking to and from school; especially if your child walks without an adult.
“I urge everyone to remain vigilant and remind children to always be cautious around unfamiliar individuals.
“Please talk to your child about the importance of staying in groups, not accepting rides or communication from strangers, and reporting any suspicious activity to a trusted adult.”
The incident came just two days after an 11-year-old girl was approached by a suspicious pair on her way to school on Silver Street in Irlam, Manchester, at 8.30am on Tuesday.
The two “grabbed hold” of the youngster but she managed to run away before telling an adult what happened.
Cops believe the man and woman had been driving in the area in a car and van but they have not specified who was driving which vehicle.
The man has been described as white, approximately 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.
Cops described the car as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new and with a sliding door.
The force are currently investigating the incident and have deployed extra officers to the local area for reassurance as their enquiries continue.
Detective Superintendent Alicia Smith, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Protecting children is our top priority and we investigate safety concerns swiftly and with vigour.
“We understand concerns are being raised in the community and over social media.
“We have chaired a partnership meeting this afternoon, and are closely aligned with the local authority and schools in the area.
“We would like to remind members of the public to avoid spreading information online that may not be true.
“We encourage anyone with concerns to contact the school directly if it relates to them or report it to police on 101 and we will investigate.
“There will be an increase in neighbourhood officers patrolling around schools during key times to provide visible reassurance.”