Parents warned after spate of 'suspicious incidents'
Parents have been warned after a spate of "suspicious incidents" in Derby in which schoolgirls have reportedly been followed and approached by men asking if they wanted a lift to school.
The latest incident happened last Wednesday when two schoolgirls, aged 11, felt they were being followed by a man on Ormskirk Rise onto Burnside Drive in Spondon, as they walked to Borrow Wood Primary School.
It follows a similar report on January 14 on Buxton Road in Chaddesden, when two 14 year olds were asked if they wanted a lift to school.
The description of the man in Spondon was given as a white man, around 50 years-old, approximately 5’ 7”, with a crew cut style haircut and wearing a black fur-lined hooded bomber jacket and dark trousers.
Meanwhile the description of the man in Chaddesden was given a white man, around 60 years of age, wearing a black bomber jacket and a black beanie hat.
Sergeant Nick Beeston, who is in charge of both of the teams, said:
Police have offered the following advice to parents and children who walk to school:
Walk with a friend when possible;
Ask your parent or guardian to help you pick a safe route to school - one that avoids dangers and may include friends that you can go to if you are worried;
Stick to the route you picked with your parent or guardian. Don’t let friends talk you into shortcuts that are more dangerous;
Never take rides from people not arranged by your parent or guardian.