Hunt underway after schoolgirl 11 reported being grabbed in street by two offenders

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Tuesday, 14th January 2025, at 22:10hrs

Extra patrols have been stepped up in the area whilst investigations continue

Detectives are hunting a man and a woman following the incident on Tuesday morning after an 11-year-old girl reported being approached and grabbed on her way to school.

In a statement released today, Greater Manchester Police said:

“At around 8.30am today (14 January 2025), an 11-year-old girl walking to school reported being approached by a male and female on Silver Street, Irlam, close to the junction of Cutnook Lane. It is believed the pair had been driving in the area in a car and a van.

The two then grabbed hold of the girl before she was able to run away and later inform an adult.

The male is described as white, approx. 5ft 9 in. tall, with short dark hair. He was described as clean-shaven and wearing blue jeans and a black hoodie. The female is described as white, and wearing leggings and a black hoodie.

The car is described as a black four-door vehicle, while the van was small, white, looking new and with a sliding door.

Officers are currently investigating the incident and have deployed extra officers to the local area for reassurance as their enquiries continue.

In addition, officers would like anyone who lives in the area to please check for any relevant dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from around the time of the incident.

Anyone who witnessed anything suspicious is also asked to contact police.

Detective Inspector Justin Bryant, from GMP’s Salford district, said: “This is of course a concerning and distressing incident and I would like to reassure the community that we are doing all we can to investigate the circumstances.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed something or has footage from around the time of the incident. We would urge anyone with any information to please get in touch, as your assistance could be greatly beneficial to our work.

“We are ensuring that the girl and the family are being kept-up-to date and supported at this time.”

You can pass information via 101 or our Live Chat service at gmp.police.uk, quoting log 1205 of 14/01/25.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”