A manhunt is underway after the ‘attempted abduction’ of an 11-year-old girl as she walked to school in Irlam on Tuesday (January 14).
At around 8.30am, police were called to reports that the schoolgirl had been approached by a man and woman on Silver Street, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane. The pair reportedly then tried to ‘grab’ the youngster, before she ran to safety.
It is believed the pair had been driving in the area in a car and a van, and that they quickly made off from the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to trace them, with Greater Manchester Police confirming no arrests have yet been made and that the incident is being treated as an attempted abduction.
Police said the male is described as white, approx. 5ft 9 in. tall, with short dark hair. He was clean-shaven and wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie.
The woman is described as white, and wearing leggings and a black hoodie. The car is described as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new, and with a sliding door.
Anyone who lives in the area is being asked to check for any relevant dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident. Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is also asked to contact police.
Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “This is of course a concerning and stressing 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.”
You can pass information via 101 or the Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1205 of 14/01/25. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.