Hartford schoolboy approached by stranger near train station (From Northwich Guardian)

Hartford schoolboy approached by stranger near train station

8:30am Wednesday 20th March 2013 in News By Emma Rigby

PARENTS are being urged to be vigilant after a schoolboy was approached by a stranger in Hartford.

The 11-year-old Hartford Primary pupil was walking home at around 3.57pm last Wednesday, when he was approached by a man on Chester Road, close to the railway station.

He spoke to the boy in an aggressive manner, making him feel uncomfortable.

The boy then went straight home and reported the incident to both his parents and the police.

Officers conducted a thorough search of the area but could not locate the man, who is described as being middle aged and wearing a grey hoody.

Following the incident, staff at Hartford Primary emailed parents and nearby schools, alerting them to the boy’s ordeal.

The email was then circulated by Hartford Manor Primary and posted on Facebook by a concerned parent.

Headteacher Mrs Harper said: “The school as notified about the incident by parents on Thursday.

“We thought it would be wise to inform parents and the other schools in the area so they knew what had happened.

“We would ask parents to be vigilant at this time.

“The matter has been reported to the police.”

Inspector Paul Loughlin, of Northwich neighbourhood Policing Team, praised the way the boy handled the situation.

He said: “The boy did the right thing by going straight home and telling his parents who then reported the incident to police.

“We take all reports of this nature seriously and will fully investigate any reports of behaviour that concerns the community.

“We advise all parents and guardians to have an awareness of their child’s personal safety and to offer guidance regarding stranger danger to schoolchildren.”