Girl, 11, grabbed by man and woman on way to school in ‘distressing’ attempted abduction
COPS have launched an urgent probe after an 11-year-old girl was grabbed by a man and woman in an attempted abduction.
The girl was approached by the pair on her way to school on Silver Street in Irlam, Manchester, at 8:30am yesterday.
The two "grabbed hold" of the youngster but she managed to run away before telling an adult what happened, said police.
Cops believe the man and woman had been driving in the area in a car and van but they have not specified who was driving which vehicle.
The man has been described as white, approximately 5ft 9in tall, with short dark hair.
He was clean-shaven and wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie, according to Greater Manchester Police.
The woman is described as white, and wearing leggings and a black hoodie.
Cops described the car as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new and with a sliding door.
The force are currently investigating the incident and have deployed extra officers to the local area for reassurance as their enquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “This is of course a concerning and distressing incident and I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to investigate the circumstances.
“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed something or has footage from around the time of the incident.
"We would urge anyone with any information to please get in touch, as your assistance could be greatly beneficial to our work."
“We are ensuring that the girl and the family are being kept-up-to date and supported at this time.”
The force urged anyone who lives in the area to check any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident.
Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is also asked to contact police.
A Greater Manchester Police statement read: "At around 8.30am today (14 January 2025), an 11-year-old girl walking to school reported being approached by a male and female on Silver Street, Irlam, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane.
"It is believed the pair had been driving in the area in a car and a van.
"The two then grabbed hold of the girl before she was able to run away and later inform an adult.
"Officers are currently investigating the incident and have deployed extra officers to the local area for reassurance as their enquiries continue."