Warning issued over man in 'coral hoodie' who followed girl outside school

A warning has been issued to schoolchildren and parents after a girl was followed and harassed by a man after leaving school.

In an alert sent to parents of children at school in Bury on Tuesday, the council said the year 10 pupil had been approached by a man believed to be in his 40s on Bury New Road. The man reportedly gave her flowers and 'wanted a hug' before following the teenager for around 300 metres while telling her she was 'beautiful'.

Parents were told the man asked her age, which she gave, and he responded 'old enough' before leaving to sit on a bench with two other men. The incident has been reported to the police, according to the warning.

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In an email seen by the Manchester Evening News, parents were warned: "We have been alerted, alongside all Bury schools, of a concerning incident that occured near St Monica's High School yesterday."

It continued: "A Y10 pupil was approached by a man on their way home from school last night. The parent of the pupil has shared with the school that her daughter was approached by a man approx 40 years of age wearing a coral pink hoodie.

"He gave her flowers and wanted a hug which she refused. Then he continued to ask for her to shake his hand. He walked alongside her for approximately 300 metres whilst saying how beautiful she was. He asked her age and responded with 'old enough' when she replied.

"This man then went to sit on a bench where two other men were, and they appeared to be together."

The email said the incident took place on Bury New Road between Lidl and Our Lady of Dolors Church. Parents and children were asked to report any similar situation to the police and the child's school.

Police are understood to be investigating.