Police investigation underway after attempted child abduction at Glenelg Primary School

Witnesses say a man chased a year-four girl at Glenelg Primary through the hallways and tried to grab her during a terrifying suspected abduction attempt.

Police are investigating a suspected abduction attempt of a “terrified’ schoolgirl at Glenelg Primary School on Tuesday morning.

A friend of the victim, Seva, 11, told The Advertiser that a man chased the pupil from near the school’s “toilet stall up some stairs”.

Seva said her friend did not know her attacker, who was wearing a black face mask and carrying a beanie.

Witnesses said the man dragged the girl along in front of staff and other students about 10am on Tuesday.

A security officer at Glenelg Primary School after police began investigating an abduction attempt of a year four girl. Picture Emma Brasier

Security has been in place at the school all day. Picture: Emma Brasier

“The guy had come up and got all the way up into the school, all the way upstairs and had dragged (the student) halfway along where my daughter’s classroom is, and dragged her along and then he got scared, maybe she was screaming, and then he went away,” a witness told 7NEWS

The offender had fled the school before police arrived.

Seva said: “Everyone in my class is scared. I don’t really feel safe at the school anymore, because I’m afraid it might happen to me.”

The Advertiser spoke to Seva with her mother’s permission.

Other witnesses said they saw the man enter a building, walk up stairs and try to grab the student in a hallway in front of teachers and other students, 7NEWS reported.

“Complete shock, horror, scared for the children. You want it to be a safe place when they come to school.” a witness said.

The primary school has sent a letter to parents stating police were investigating an incident that occurred on school grounds but did not disclose that it involved an abduction attempt.

Another student’s mother, Anna Farkas, 38, didn’t know what happened until she received a call from her son’s father, who heard about the incident on the news.

“It’s really scary,” she said. “It is a massive concern that anyone from the outside can walk in and get the kids.

Anna Farkas waits for her child during afternoon pick-up at Glenelg Primary School. Picture: Emma Brasier

Glenelg Primary School’s letter to parents after the attempted abduction.

A text message to Glenelg Primary School parents after the attempted abduction.

“They did notify us yesterday, but they didn’t say what it was. I couldn’t speak more highly of the school and the teachers and stuff but it’s a pretty big concern.”

Rae Dalby, whose grandson attends the primary school, said the news was ­terrible. “I think they should have consulted the children and parents together,” she said.

Another mother, who wanted to remain anonymous, said it could have happened at any school.

“I know the school has been criticised, but you can’t have a teacher on every gate all day round,” she said.

Security guards kept watch outside the school all day on Wednesday.

Police confirmed they are investigating suspicious behaviour.

It had been reported that the student might have been filmed by her attacker while she was in a toilet cubicle.

Outside Glenelg Primary School on Wednesday afternoon, where police are investigating the abduction attempt. Picture: Emma Brasier

A police investigation has started after an attempted child abduction at Glenelg Primary School. Picture: Emma Brasier

A police spokesman said “this information has not been disclosed to their investigation”.

Police have asked anyone who may have dashcam footage taken near the Diagonal Rd school on Tuesday morning to come forward.

In a letter to the school community, principal Shane Misso said it was now a SAPOL and Department of Education matter.

“We thank you for your concern, care, and patience as we work through the events of Tuesday, August 9, 2022,” Mr Misso said.

“Unfortunately at this point, we are not able to provide any further detail to the community. All children are accounted for and safe. Additional resources and procedures are in place.”

The man is described as being about 180cm tall and bald. He was wearing a knee-length light-blue shirt and black pants.

Anyone who may have seen a man matching the description is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The Advertiser has asked SA Police in multiple attempts to confirm if the perpetrator was known to the young victim but have not received a response.