Attempted Abduction Of Girl In Diggle

Diggle School, where the incident happened yesterday.

A woman tried to abduct a girl from outside Diggle School yesterday. The seven-year-old child was playing with friends at the school’s playground on Sam Road when the incident happened at 1pm.

According to Greater Manchester Police, the woman got out of a blue car and offered the child some sweets. When the girl refused, the woman is said to have grabbed her arm and tried to drag her towards the vehicle. But after one of the girl’s friends got hold of her other arm and pulled her back, the woman got into her car and drove off.

The police statement goes on to say that the woman may have hit the wall with her car as she pulled up, so there might be some damage to the vehicle. The offender is described as being in her late 20s or early 30s and of medium build, with brown, curly, shoulder-length hair.

She was wearing a white skirt with black spots, and black leggings. The woman also had two tattoos, of a star near the thumb of one hand, and of a curly green and black pattern going up one of her forearms.

The statement quotes DI Javid Pervaiz from Oldham CID as saying: “This is obviously a very concerning incident and all parents at the school have been informed about it. The little girl did exactly what she should have in that she declined the offer of sweets and fortunately her friend was quick to react when the woman grabbed her arm.

“I want to reassure parents that incidents like this are extremely rare and we are taking it very seriously. Police patrols have been stepped up in the area and I would encourage parents to reaffirm safety advice with their children and remind them not to speak to strangers.”

Anyone with information is asked to ring Oldham detectives on 0161 856 8951, or the anonymous Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.

You can read the police statement in full here.

There’s also coverage from the BBC here and the Chronicle here.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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