Parents of pupils attending a high school in Hull have been left fearing for their children's safety after a 11-year-old school girl was 'grabbed' by an unknown man whilst walking home.
The youngster managed to run home before anything more troubling happened after a stranger seized her by her rucksack on January 17.
Police are treating the incident as an attempted robbery and staff at Kelvin Hall school have asked parents to speak to their children about what happened and to remain vigilant. Last night, parents waiting at the school gates expressed their concerns and the measures they have taken to ensure their children are safe, Hull Live reports.
Police did not appear at the time to be patrolling outside the school or in Goddard Avenue where the incident took place. However, they have confirmed they are 'increasing their presence in the area at appropriate times.'
Zainab who has an 11-year-old daughter at Kelvin Hall School said: "My daughter is in Year 7 and 11 years old. I usually pick her up from school but now I prefer to be exactly on time so she isn't waiting outside.
"I received an email about the situation last night. It is very worrying, especially as it is still a new school for her." A father parked outside the school who also has a Year 7 child said: "I'm here to get my son today. I always pick him up but it is still a worry when things like this happen."
Some parents have now also made the decision to collect their kids from school instead of letting them walk home. Another mum said: "Most children walk home alone or in small groups.
"My child would normally walk home but I will be driving to and from school especially during these winter, dark evenings. I would expect the school to hold an assembly to discuss it with them as some children will probably be scared, especially as it happened to a Year 7 girl who will only be 11 or 12 years old."
Another parent who walked to collect her son said she was saddened to discover that there was no one supervising home time hours in light of the recent shocking incident. Inspector Jamie Campbell said: "We are taking this report incredibly seriously and have been following up further enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
"We have visited the girl and her family and have conducted a number of enquiries around the reported location, including viewing CCTV footage in the area. Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be working with schools in the area to reassure pupils while offering the appropriate safeguarding advice."
Humberside Police visited Goddard Convenience Store on Goddard Avenue to review CCTV footage and speak with shopkeeper Vijitha Jeyathevan. The owner said he had not seen anything in the usually 'quiet' street but revealed that armed robbers broke in with a gun and knife to his store in 2021.
A spokesperson for Kelvin Hall School said: "Following this worrying incident, we are supporting our students with appropriate pastoral care. We are reminding all of our students to be vigilant to and from school, as well as having informed parents and carers of what occurred, stressing the need for vigilance.
"Furthermore, we have notified our neighbouring schools and we will liaise with the family and the Police throughout."
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