Warning after children approached in street

GMP

Residents in Heywood are being warned to be careful following two incidents where men approached children in the street.

At about 8.00am on Wednesday (23 November) a 10-year-old girl was walking to school and a man tried to talk to her before trying to grab her. The girl managed to run away. The incident took place near an alleyway off Nelson Street.

At about 5.00pm on Tuesday (22 November) a young woman had to run as she was worried that two men were trying to follow her. The incident took place at a path near the junction between Kirkstall Avenue and Furness Avenue.

In both cases the offenders were described as two white men.

Both incidents were reported to police on Wednesday (23 November).

Inspector Stephen Clarke said: "These incidents will clearly cause a great deal of concern to our community, however, I would like to reassure the public that these are isolated incidents.

"We are thoroughly investigating what happened and any offenders we trace will be arrested. We have patrols in place in the areas and are working closely with local schools to provide appropriate safety information.

"However, it is vital that we give parents some advice; a lot of people we have spoken to have said that schoolchildren are in the habit of using alleyways to get to and from school.

"We would urge parents to ask their children to stay to busy, well-lit areas, particularly as it is getting darker now."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 8589 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.