STRANGER ‘GRABS’ SCHOOL RUN BOY
Infant school pupil was walking with ‘scared’ mum
A MUM has described the terrifying moment a stranger grabbed her son as they walked to school.
The woman was making her way to Jackfield Infants School, in Burslem, when a man started to follow close behind.
As they made their way through an alleyway off Stanfield Road towards Tellwright Street, the man lunged at the youngster and seized his shoulder.
The mother pulled her son back before the man retreated.
Police have since launched an investigation into the incident, which happened at around 9am on Tuesday.
The suspect was described as around 5ft 7in, slim, in his 50s with shaved grey hair. He was wearing a brown jacket and grey or light coloured trousers.
Sharing details of her ordeal, the woman said: “He followed us close and
was getting faster and closer towards us. When he was behind us he lent over and down and grabbed my son on the shoulder.
“I pulled my son back towards me and told him, not so politely, to not touch my son.
“He then backed off and changed the direction he was walking.
“I have no idea what his intentions were and don’t know why he would grab a random child.
“This was very real and scary. I’m shook up obviously. I have never seen this person before.
“I informed the teachers as soon as I got to school and the police were informed.”
Warning other parents to be on their guard, she added: “Please be vigilant and wary of your surroundings.”
A message sent from Jackfield Infants School said: “We have been made aware of an incident. Please be vigilant and keep your children close.
“To clarify, a person was acting suspiciously and we were informed by a parent. This was not in the vicinity of the school.”
A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: “Officers are carrying out inquiries in the area and would like to speak to anyone who may have seen a man matching the description, or witnessed any suspicious behaviour.”
Anyone with information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter quoting incident number 126 of October 20. Alternatively, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.