Abduction-scare school on guard

POLICE have stepped up patrols after a woman attempted to abduct a Diggle schoolgirl from the playground by offering her sweets.

Officers have praised the seven-year-old for refusing the woman’s attempts and her friend for pulling her away from the woman’s clutches.

Parents were left shocked after the Chronicle revealed yesterday how warnings had gone out to Saddleworth schools about the attempted abduction. The drama unfolded as the young girl played out with friends at Diggle Primary School at around 1.10pm on Wednesday.

Police were called after reports that a woman got out of a blue car and offered the girl some sweets, which she declined, but the woman then grabbed the girl’s arm and tried to grab her. Officers say one of the victim’s friends grabbed her other arm and pulled her back. The offender then got back into her two-door car and drove away.

It is believed the woman may have hit the wall with her car as she parked up outside the school, so there maybe some damage to her vehicle.

Detective Inspector Javid Pervaiz, from Oldham CID, said: “Patrols have been stepped up in the area and I would encourage parents to reaffirm safety advice with their children and remind them not to speak to strangers.”

The woman is described as white, in her late 20s to early 30s and of medium build.

She had brown shoulder-length curly hair, an oval face and was wearing a white skirt with black spots all over, which was just below the knee, and black leggings.

She had two tattoos — a star near her thumb on one hand, and a curly green and black pattern on one of her forearms. She was wearing a black and silver necklace down to her chest, which is described as like oval pebbles, and a bracelet with snake figures on.

Extra security is now in place at the 180-place Sam Road school, where youngsters aged four to 11 are taught. Letters have gone out to parents.

Anyone with any information should call Oldham CID on 0161-856 8951 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.