Another Report Of Black Van Man ‘Following Schoolgirl’

Police have confirmed a schoolgirl reported she had been followed by a man who got out of a black van yesterday in Chirk.

Overnight several people have been in touch giving details of an incident that took place late yesterday afternoon near Chirk, which matched descriptions of similar incidents over the last month.

We enquired with police this morning over the incident yesterday, they have told us: “Police were alerted to a man behaving suspiciously in the Lloyds Lane area of Chirk yesterday afternoon 5.55pm.

“A school girl reported that she had been followed by a man after he got out of a black van.

“No contact was made and the girl ran away to a place of safety.”

DS Dave Tierney said: “I am appealing to anyone who saw a man dressed in dark clothing and behaving suspiciously in the area, or who saw a black van parked in Lloyds Lane at around 5.45pm to contact us.

“We are aware of similar reports in Shropshire in recent weeks and we are in touch with our colleagues at West Mercia Police . We have increased patrols in the area to reassure the public.”

Anyone with information should call North Wales police on 101 quoting reference U167578.

Although there is no formal connection stated by police West Mercia Police issued the top sketch of man they wished to find in relation to incidents where schoolchildren were involved, again in Chirk and involving a black vehicle.

The sketch is of the driver, who is described a white man in his 20s of a medium build, with dark brown hair and slight stubble. He was described as having a slight Liverpool accent and was thought to be the only person in the vehicle.

Last month Wrexham Council’s Head of Education circulated a warning that read: “It has come to my attention that there have been at least two incidences of potential child abduction near schools in the Weston Rhyn and Oswestry areas during the past few days. Both incidents have occurred around school opening and closure times and involved a black van.”

“Schools and parents are advised to be extra vigilant when taking or collecting children to and from school.”

“Please can we ask all parents to make sure wherever possible children are escorted to school. We will not release any child if we are unsure of who is collecting them. Any requests for children walking home or to school should be in writing. Thank you for your support.”