A warning has been issued to parents after a man ‘lunged at a schoolgirl’ just three miles away from an ‘attempted abduction’ of an 11-year-old in Irlam.
The notice, sent out to parents and carers of pupils at Flixton Girls School in Urmston, warned that a man had reportedly ‘walked towards’ a year seven student as she was walking home from school before ‘stopping and staring at her’ and ‘lunging’ towards her.
The latest incident on Tuesday afternoon (January 14), was reported on Bowfell Road – just over three miles away from where an 11-year-old girl was ‘grabbed’ by an unknown man and woman.
Greater Manchester Police are continuing to hunt the two suspects after the young girl, walking to school, was approached and ‘grabbed’ on Silver Street, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane. It is believed the pair had been driving in the area in a car and a van, and that they quickly made off from the scene.
The new warning, sent out by Flixton Girls School, urged parents to be aware of another incident involving a student in year seven who was approached by an unknown man on nearby Bowfell Road. The letter read: “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.
Parents and carers were issued with the warning
“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.”
A manhunt is still underway to find a man and woman in connection with the Irlam incident, which is being treated as an attempted abduction.
An 11-year-old girl was grabbed in Irlam on January 14
Police said the male is described as white, approx. 5ft 9 in. 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. The car is described as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new, and with a sliding door.
Greater Manchester Police have been contacted for a statement.
You can pass information via 101 or the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1205 of 14/01/25. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.