Liverpool Police hunt for man who allegedly approached girls from the same high school

Two girls from the same high school have allegedly been approached by the same man in the Liverpool suburb of Busby on Monday, leading police to appeal for any witnesses.

The girl’s mother saw the man causing him to flee the scene, said police.

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Two girls from the same high school have allegedly been approached by the same man in the Liverpool suburb of Busby on Monday, leading police to appeal for any witnesses or dash camera footage.

Police said the first incident allegedly occurred between 2.20pm and 2.30pm when a 14-year-old girl left a high school and walked to Formica Park, South Liverpool Rd, Busby.

“She sat down on a bench and noticed a man, described as being aged between 25 and 30, with an olive complexion, large build, about 180cm tall (6ft), with medium to short hair and unshaven,” a police spokesman said.

Police said the man allegedly approached the first girl when she sat on the bench.

“At the time he was wearing a black and green hat with a black and green horizontal stripped shirt and three-quarter length pants.

“He was carrying a skateboard with a black top and a timber bottom with red wheels.

“He sat next to the girl and attempted to engage in conversation before moving closer to her and placing his arm around her shoulder.

“The young girl quickly got up and left the area.”

The spokesman said police were also informed of a second incident involving a 12-year-old girl who had left the same high school and started walking home.

“When she reached the intersection of South Liverpool Rd and St Johns Rd, Busby, she was approached by a man matching the same description,” the spokesman said.

“As the girl walked along St Johns Rd, the man started following behind her and attempted to engage in conversation.

“The man continued walking very close behind the girl as she approached her home.

“The girl’s mother saw the man and walked outside and the man fled the scene.

“Both incidents were reported to officers at Liverpool City Police Area Command and an investigation is now under way.”

Police are urging anyone who was in the area at the time of the incidents and noticed something suspicious, recognises the description of the man, has dashcam footage from the area, or who has information, to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police also continue to urge parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

■ Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are always.

■ Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.

■ Know where safe places are — a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.

■ Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help — police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.

■ Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.

■ If you are scared and can use a phone, call triple-0 and tell them you are scared.

■ If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.