Warning issued to parents after man approached child on way to primary school

A safeguarding alert was issued to parents after a schoolchild was approached by a man as they made their way to primary school.

Merseyside Police were called to Linacre Primary School this morning after a child notified teaching staff of the encounter, which they described as making them feel 'uncomfortable'.

In what police have described as a 'suspicious incident', the man was reportedly drinking from a can and asked the child to exchange it for their headphones.

READ MORE: Wally Scott dies as friend and Merseyside radio legend Billy Butler pays tribute

READ MORE: Win £100 shopping voucher to celebrate the return of Aldi’s Next Big Thing

A safeguarding alert was sent out to all schools by Sefton Council after the local authority was notified by Linacre Primary school. As a result, parents from across the borough received an update on the incident - detailing what happened and and confirming Merseyside Police had been contacted.

Police attended Linacre Primary School to speak to staff and provide reassurance following the incident. No arrests have been reported at this time.

A statement from Merseyside Police said: "We can confirm that officers attended a Bootle school after a suspicious incident this morning, Wednesday 1 May.

"At around 8.05am, a man reportedly approached a child close to Linacre Primary School on Thornton Road, and attempted to engage the child in conversation.

"The child notified staff at the school and enquiries are ongoing. The man is described as black, and of slim/medium build."

Community Policing Inspector Ray Mavrakakis said: "Such incidents cause understandable concern and we are liaising closely with the school and local authority to make people aware, and will be providing visible reassurance to parents and carers.

"If you saw the incident or have any information, come forward via @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 190.

"Posting comments or images onto your own social media accounts may hinder our enquiries, so please come to us directly."

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here