Home   Sittingbourne   News   Article

Westlands School Head Simon Cox issues warning as man tries to grab pupils

Children are being urged to walk to and from school in groups after a man tried to grab two girls.

The 13-year-old Westlands School pupils were cutting through Windmill Road to Cherry Close, Milton Regis, when the incident happened between 3pm and 4pm on Monday, July 20.

A letter from head teacher Simon Cox has been sent to parents.

A man is said to have tried to snatch children. Stock image
A man is said to have tried to snatch children. Stock image

It said: “No child has been injured in any way but I am sure you will understand an incident such as this is extremely upsetting for the victims.

"In light of this incident and other recent issues in the community, we are advising that children travel in groups" - letter from head teacher Simon Cox

“The police have been alerted. In light of this incident and other recent issues in the community, we are advising that children travel in groups and phone 999 if they see anything suspicious.

“It is important that children avoid any contact or communication with anyone acting strangely. We advise parents and children remain vigilant throughout the summer holidays.”

Speaking to the News Extra, Mr Cox added: “Mo Fazakerley, my assistant head teacher in charge of safeguarding, used our tannoy system to reiterate the message in the letter I have written, and emailed to parents.”

The incident comes less than a fortnight after a stranger tried to grab an eight-year-old boy in nearby North Street.

The youngster, who attends Regis Manor School was running through bushes which line a footpath when a man appeared.

He whispered ‘I’m going to get you’ before running towards him with his arms outreached.

The Year 3 youngster screamed and ran to his mother who was standing just a few feet away from where the incident happened at about 3.20pm on Thursday, July 9.

Simon Cox, head teacher at The Westlands School
Simon Cox, head teacher at The Westlands School

Later that night, a text message was sent out by the school to parents about the matter, reminding them to be vigilant, travel in groups and to ring 999 if needed.

The next day there was a police presence at the site.

That suspect was described as being of mixed race, in his early 30s, about 6ft with dark brown hair in cornrows.

The description is very similar to the efit issued by police after a nine-year-old girl was offered a lift by the driver of a white van in Sheerstone, Iwade, on April 23.

Police say they have increased patrols following the North Street incident and are making inquries following Monday’s approach.

The Westlands school in Sittingbourne. Picture: Street View
The Westlands school in Sittingbourne. Picture: Street View

Inspector Mark Button, of the Swale community safety unit, said: “I would like to reassure parents and residents that we treat each and every reported incident seriously, and are at present continuing to investigat to establish if any criminal offences were committed.

“At this stage there is nothing to suggest that the two incidents are linked.

“We would always encourage parents to regularly speak with their children about stranger danger and ensure that they understand the potential risks associated with talking to strangers.”


Stories you might have missed

Driver instructor risks life to prevent crash

Watch Terry smash pickled egg-eating record

Op Stack scaled back but delays continue

Man and pet injured in 'terrifying' dog attack


Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More