Police are hunting down a dangerous predator who tried to drag a schoolgirl into his van on a Salford street yesterday morning.
The 11-year-old girl, who was walking to school on Woodrow Way in Irlam, was waiting to cross the road towards Lidl when the man, who was wearing a balaclava, climbed out of a white van and came towards her.
He grabbed her arm and tried to force her into the vehicle, saying ‘you’re coming with me’, but the girl luckily managed to wriggle free and fled to the nearby Lidl car park.
Detective Inspector Ben Hart of Salford division, said: “Thankfully, the girl was not hurt but the man tried to drag her into his van and we are taking this very seriously.
“We do not know what this man’s intentions were, but we are nevertheless very concerned about this incident and we have launched an investigation.”
The man is described as white and was wearing a black balaclava and dark clothing. The van is described as a white Vauxhall.
Police have urged any witnesses to come forward with information about the attempted abduction, which happened in the Irlam area around 8am yesterday morning.
Detective Inspector Hart added: “I understand that this incident will cause concern in the community and would like to reassure residents that we are working tirelessly to find out who is responsible for this.
“This incident acts as a reminder that children should not talk to strangers and I would encourage parents to talk to their children about this and to stress that if they approached in this manner to leave immediately and tell an adult.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 5097, or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Image courtesy of Google Maps, with thanks
