Parents put on alert after bid to snatch boy

PARENTS are being asked not to let their children walk home from school alone following reports of an attempt to snatch a boy.

The Year 6 youngster was in the Scholes area of Wigan on his way home when he was shouted over to a white van.

He ignored the call, but then the van pulled alongside him, and someone inside opened the door and reportedly tried to grab him.

Thankfully the child managed to escape unharmed.

It’s understood the incident happened on Scholes/Whelley (B5238) between 3-3.20pm.

St Catharine’s C of E Primary School – which the boy attends – was contacted by police and asked to issue a warning to parents and pupils.

Headteacher Mrs Goulding described what happened as a ‘serious incident,’ and said all children must be picked up by an adult for the time being.

The post on Facebook has been shared almost 1,500 times.

It read: “A serious incident has happened on the way home from school for one of our Year 6 pupils who was walking home.

“I have just spoken to the police who have asked me to ask parents to be vigilant walking home and remind their children of the stranger danger message. A letter will be going out... explaining the incident. “Can we please ask that all children are collected by an adult after school next week while we review the situation with the police. “I am sure you appreciate how important the safety of all our children is. “Thank you for your co-operation. Mrs Goulding.” A spokesman for GMP confirmed an investigation was underway. A further statement is expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log number 1519 of March 14.

The police have asked me to ask parents to be vigilant walking home Headteacher Mrs Goulding