Safeguarding alert issued to parents across Sefton
Merseyside Police is investigating after a primary school pupil reported being followed by a man while walking to school in Seaforth. A safeguarding alert was issued by Sefton Council to schools across the borough following the incident.
The girl, a year six pupil at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary School, raised the alarm with staff on Tuesday morning after claiming she had been approached by an unknown man the previous day. The school is located on Lime Grove, not far from where the alleged incident occurred.
Girl said man told her to ‘wait up’ as he followed
According to the school’s message to parents, the incident happened at around 8:25am on Monday, March 24. The girl said she first noticed the man getting too close to her while crossing Seaforth Road. She said she felt uncomfortable and tried to walk faster, but he continued following her down Lime Grove.
At one point, the man reportedly shouted “wait up” in a deep voice which the girl believed may have sounded Scottish. She phoned her friend and entered the school grounds, at which point the man walked off in the direction of Maple Close.
The man was described as a tall white adult, around his mid-forties, with a grey beard, flat brown hair, and a slim build. He was wearing black fingerless gloves, black clothing, and a brown puffy jacket which was open.
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Police confirm they are investigating
In a statement, a Merseyside Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm we received a report yesterday, Monday March 24, of suspicious behaviour in Seaforth. It was alleged that a man was following a girl as she walked to school on Knowsley Road at around 8.25am.
“There is no indication a crime took place or that a crime was attempted. Officers from the Sefton local policing team are patrolling the area and are liaising with the local schools.”
The force added that enquiries are ongoing and asked anyone with information to call 101 or message the Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook, quoting reference 227 of 24 March.
Our Lady Star of the Sea and Sefton Council declined to comment further.
