A Merseyside school has issued a warning to parents after reports of a man "loitering" along a popular route taken by pupils to get to school.
Formby High School on Freshfield Road today sent letters to parents and guardians following numerous concerning reports.
A Merseyside Police spokeswoman told the ECHO : "At around 8.55am today (Thursday), we received a report that a man was acting suspiciously on Wicks Lane, Formby.
"Officers attended but could not locate the man.
"Patrols are being stepped up in the area as a result of the reports and anyone with any information is asked to contact police."
Parents were today told: "Over the last week we have received a number of concerns regarding a heavy set male, in his 50s, loitering around the Wicks Lane blue bridge around 8.30-9.00 in the morning when our students are walking to school .
"Today the man was wearing blue jeans a white t-shirt, blue fleece jacket and walking style shoes.
"The incidents have been reported to the police."
Parents have been asked to speak with children to ensure they know what to do should they "feel suspicious regarding the behaviour of others", when walking to and from school or during half term.
Guidance issued by the school says:
- Where possible students to remain in groups of two or more and keep to main, well lit, roads and pathways when walking to and from school.
- If approached by a stranger, never divulge any personal information; this includes times and places that you may frequent or names of friends who you are going to meet.
- If approached by a stranger, make contact with the nearest point of safety; this could be a shop, a school crossing patrol, a parent or indeed the school itself.
- If approached by a stranger, please inform the Police as soon as possible. This will allow for an increased chance of locating the person who may still be in the area.
- Use your mobile phone to contact home, school or the Police.
- If necessary, return to school by the closest entrance - do not worry about breaking bubbles.
- We also encourage the students to speak with their Form Tutor, Climate for Learning Leader, Mrs Taylor or myself should they have any concerns.
Anyone with information is asked to DM @MerPolCC on Twitter, or call CrimestoppersUK anonymously on 0800 555 111 quoting reference 784 of 27 May.
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