Two children grabbed by strangers just eight miles apart in attempted abductions as parents issued urgent warning
Parents in Greater Manchester are being warned after two children were grabbed by strangers in separate abduction attempts.
Detectives are telling parents to remain vigilant after one child was grabbed by the throat and another was approached by a man and woman.
An 11-year-old girl managed to escape after being grabbed by a man and woman in an attempted abduction whilst walking to school in Irlam.
Now, parents from Moorlands Junior School in Sale, were informed a pupil had been targeted in an “unprovoked” incident, just eight miles away.
A letter sent to parents at the Sale school seen by Manchester Evening News said: “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.”
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A notice from St Anne’s Primary School, around half a mile away, 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.”
At the incident in Irlam, two people “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.
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.
“There will be an increase in neighbourhood officers patrolling around schools during key times to provide visible reassurance.”