School on high alert after teen followed by 'older man'

A Southport school was put on high alert after a teenage girl was stared at and followed as she made her way in.

Christ the King Catholic High School, on Stamford Road, warned parents about the incident today, April 24, two days after the incident took place.

The message, titled "SAFEGUARDING ALERT!", read: "On Monday 22nd April 2024 at around 8am on the Kew Estate, Southport (near Hickory's restaurant), an older man described as skinny and wearing a cap was staring at a Y9 pupil. He then followed her towards Christ the King School at a distance. This matter has been reported to the police."

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A school staff member said: "When we get a report from a child of that nature, we deal with it at the school by contacting the parents and making sure the child is OK. Because of the nature of the incident we send it to Sefton, our local education authority, and they alert to all local schools so all children are aware that this has happened."

In a further statement, a spokesperson for Christ the King said: "Yesterday afternoon, we were notified that a student felt she was being followed on her walk home from school. In line with our policies and procedures, we contacted the Local Authority and ensured that other schools were aware. The police were also informed.

“We have also placed more staff outside the school at the end of the school day, and have encouraged all students to be vigilant.”

Merseyside Police failed to provide further information when approached.

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