PUPILS AND parents at Saddleworth School have been warned to be vigilant after reports of a man lingering suspiciously in the area.
A letter sent out by the school explained: “Over the past few days we have had reports from some students who say that they have seen a suspicious looking man on the way to or from the school who they believe has been following them.
“On Tuesday 15 September two of our pupils reported seeing a man who was engaged in an indecent act. These incidents are reported as having taken place near Carr Lane in Greenfield.
“We don’t want to cause undue alarm. However, we wanted to inform parents so that you are able to take reasonable steps to safeguard your child on the way to and from school.
“We have also spoken to students through assemblies and form time and urged them to be cautious.
“We would advise that if students walk, travel to and from school in groups, if they are not already doing so.
“All incidents have been reported to the police who have assured us that they are investigating this matter with the most urgency.”
A similar letter was sent to parents of pupils at Greenfield Primary School and Nursery, informing them about the incident and asking them to be on their guard.
The letter read: “The local police were in school today regarding a green Land Rover and a man behaving indecently on the bridle path next to Carr Lane.
“He was described as large, muscular, 35-40 years, bald, white complexion but tanned and wearing a bright blue jacket. His interest appears to be in older secondary school girls.
“Please take extra care until this man is apprehended.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed: “At around 8.30am on Tuesday 15 Sept 2015, two 13-year-old school girls were walking to school when they spotted a man performing a sex act on himself on Carr Lane.
“They were then escorted to school by a passer-by and reported it to police. We are investigating and the offender description is as follows. No arrests yet made.”
The offender is described as a white male, tanned skin, average height, athletic build, bald head, wearing a bright blue coat. approx 30-40 years old.
Another email sent out by Saddleworth School added: “The health and safety of our children and staff is of the highest priority.
“We have been informed today of a ‘Child Safety’ incident which happened on Saturday, 19th September 2015 at 8.45pm.
“The incident was a man who was behaving in a sexually inappropriate manner to a girl on Dobcross New Road, Newbank Garden Centre in Saddleworth.
“The man’s description is ‘possibly aged in his 40’s approximately 5ft 8 inches in height, muscular build, skin colour is white but tanned and is bald, he was wearing a white tank top with grey pants. He also had a tattoo.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
A man has been arrested for indecent assault on children in Saddleworth an tameside its on Saddleworth police site thank god
anyone been named?
I’ll put up an update as soon as I have anything more from the police.