Man attempts bag-snatch at school

Southland Girls’ High School in Invercargill is tightening security after a man tried to grab a backpack from a student as she was walking into the school.

A police communications spokeswoman said police received a report about 8.20am that a male grabbed a backpack from a student as she was walking into school.

The man was seen by staff and fled toward Elles Rd on foot.

The man was described as 1.78 metres (5ft 10in) and of solid build.

He was wearing a plain grey hoodie and camouflage pants, the spokeswoman said.

Police were appealing for sightings of a man loitering near the rear walkway to the school.

Acting school principal Noreen Melvin said a middle school student arriving for an early morning sports practice was confronted by an unknown male as she entered through the back gate from the Otepuni walkway.

‘‘The student concerned was shocked, responded maturely and appropriately and was not physically harmed.’’

The back gate of the school would be locked until further notice so that students can enter at points of greater visibility, Melvin said.

‘‘The incident is being investigated by the police.

‘‘We encourage our community to have a discussion about keeping ourselves safe.’’