Horrified parents warned about men ‘acting suspiciously’ outside school gates in Manchester

HORRIFIED parents have been warned after men were spotted “acting suspiciously” outside school gates in Manchester.

Pupils of Standish Community High School were also approached by strangers, according to reports.

GoogleMapsMen were reported hanging around outside Standish Community High School[/caption]

A text titled “Stranger Danger Alert” was sent to parents last week.

It read: “We have been made aware that students have been approached in the Standish area by strangers.

“This information has been reported to the police.

“Please advise your child accordingly not to approach or engage in conversation with strangers and to report any unusual or suspicious behaviour to parents or in school asap.

“Please advise your children to travel to school using main routes and travel in groups where possible.”

The students of the school in Wigan are being urged to travel in groups after police launched an investigation.

In a further update issued on Monday, the school said: “Please ask your child to be safe and stay vigilant when travelling to and from school.

“We have had reports of male members of the public acting suspiciously at the school gates and along the perimeter of the school.

“Students should walk home in groups were possible and stick to well-lit and main routes.

“This information has been communicated to the police.”

One parent, who asked not to be named, said she was now afraid to allow her children out on their own.

She added: “As a parent, I’m worried. They are standing at the gates.

‘STRANGER DANGER ALERT’

“One girl was approached outside Lidl. They surrounded her and a member of the public had to take her home.

“This has been going on since July. Police are now patrolling near the school now, but that should not even be needed.”

Lindsay Barker, headteacher at Standish Community High School, told the Manchester Evening News: “The school followed the normal procedures and protocols when we were notified of a potential safeguarding concern.

“As soon as we were made aware, we contacted parents to notify them as well as the appropriate agencies.”

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police confirmed they were investigating two alleged incidents – which were reported on September 8 and September 13.