School puts parents on high alert over 'attempted abductions'

Pupils are being urged to stay alert following multiple reports of attempted abductions near schools.

Congleton High School in Cheshire has issued a warning to parents, stating that a grey Audi SUV had been seen approaching students at a bus stop near the gates. The school has since ramped up staff patrols as children depart for the day.

The incident, which occurred at 3.40pm on September 17, follows two 'attempted abductions' elsewhere in the county, where individuals reportedly tried to lure boys into their cars as they walked alone in Northwich. Police have said they do not believe the incidents in Congleton and Northwich are connected.

• Ryanair passenger deported back to UK after mistake minutes into holiday
• Keep windows drier during autumn with 1 household item that's not a dehumidifier

The letter from Congleton High School, seen by Cheshire Live, reads: "Some of you may be aware that in recent days there have been reports of attempted abductions of teenagers in other parts of the local area.

"In Northwich last week, details of two attempted adductions of teenage boys on their way home from school were reported.

"We have recently received reports that a grey Audi SUV has approached Congleton High School students at the Sandbach Road bus stop. We have reported this to police who are supporting us proactively."

"We are also increasing the vigilance of duty staff at the end of the day who will be patrolling areas outside the school until the Sandbach bus leaves. We are keen to ensure that parents are well informed and that we do all that we can to promote safe behaviours both in and out of school.

"We feel that it is important for the whole school community to be aware of the concerns that have been raised with regards to these reports. Tutors will be speaking to students in registration about this concern and how to report it.

"Please have conversations with your child about the potential dangers of interacting with strangers on the way to and from school."

Regarding the incident in Congleton, a spokesperson for Cheshire Police said: "At around 3.40pm on Wednesday 17 September, Cheshire Police received a call from a school in Congleton reporting that a 13-year-old boy had been approached by a teenager in a vehicle whilst he was walking home along Sandbach Road. Following a number of enquiries, officers identified a 17-year-old boy and provided words of advice. No further action was taken."

In Northwich, it was reported that a car containing two men pulled up and rolled down a window. In the first instance, the pair asked the boy where he was going and what he was doing.

The second victim was instructed to 'get in the car'. Both lads declined to engage with the men, returned home and informed their parents.

A spokesperson for Cheshire Police stated: "Officers from Northwich are investigating following two reports of suspicious activity in the town. The first incident was reported at 9.41pm on Thursday, August 28 on Fairfield Road. The second incident was reported at 9.23pm on Friday, August 29 on London Road.

"On both occasions, the callers reported that a black car, believed to be a Nissan Juke or similar, pulled up alongside teenage boys and the two male occupants attempted to engage with them. During both incidents the boys have not engaged with the men and at no point have the men exited the vehicle.

"Enquiries are currently ongoing in relation to the incidents and anyone with any information should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or via our website, quoting 25000714801."