A school has issued a warning after a man "tried to abduct a pupil" by allegedly putting his hand over her mouth as she walked home following extra curricular activities.
The concerning incident took place after the girl left an after-school club at The Firs Primary School in Sale, Manchester yesterday.
The attempted abduction was stopped following 'support from a male and female passerby', the school, which caters for children aged 3 – 11, said.
A letter sent to parents and carers from deputy headteacher Miss Taplin, added that the girl was walking home at around 4.35pm when the man "came up behind her and put his hand over her mouth".
He then "attempted to abduct her."
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The incident, which reportedly happened at the top of Firs Road and Manor Avenue, is being investigated by police, the school said.
Parents have now been urged to collect their children from school on darker evenings, or make sure that they walk home with a friend.
In full, the letter which has been seen by the Manchester Evening News, said: "I am writing to inform you of an incident that occurred after school today, as a pupil was walking home from after school club at approximately 4.35pm.
"One of our pupils was approached by a man who came up behind her and put his hand over her mouth and attempted to abduct her.
"Fortunately the pupil was able to get away due to support from a male and female passerby.
"This happened towards the top of Firs Road and Manor Avenue.
"The police have been informed and are undertaking appropriate investigations.
"We would ask if anyone has any information that may be helpful to the police, then let ourselves or the police know immediately."
The letter added: "With the evenings getting darker, earlier, you may like to ensure your child is collected by a grown up or at the very least is accompanied by a friend, particularly after the after school clubs.
"Please keep safe everyone."
Greater Manchester Police and Firs Primary School have been contacted for comment.
