'Alarm in community' after strangers approach two schoolgirls on same day

A councillor has said there is 'alarm in the community' following reports of strangers approaching two local young schoolgirls on the same day.

Police were called to reports of an unknown man and woman, who had travelled in a car and a van, 'grabbing' an 11-year-old as she walked to school in Irlam at around 8.30am on Tuesday (January 14).

Greater Manchester Police are continuing to hunt two suspects following the 'attempted abduction', in which the young girl was approached and 'grabbed' on Silver Street, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane. It is believed the pair quickly made off from the scene.

Parents were then issued with a second urgent warning after reports that an unknown man had 'lunged' at a year seven pupil just three miles away in Urmston, also on Tuesday afternoon.

In a note sent to parents and carers, Flixton Girls School said a man had 'walked towards' the school pupil on nearby Bowfell Road, before 'lunging' towards her to 'scare her' and 'staring' at her.

Councillor Lewis Eric Nelson, who represents the Cadishead and Lower Irlam ward, has said there is 'understandable alarm' in the community and has issued a 'stay vigilant' warning, urging residents to check CCTV or doorbell footage to help aid police with their investigations.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he said: "There is an understandable alarm in the community, and I'm extremely concerned that it seems our community is being targeted in this way.

"It cannot stand, and I urge the community to take reasonable precautions and have conversations with their children. Please do review any CCTV that may help the police with their investigations and report any information you may be aware of that could help the police in the usual way.

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