CONGLETON teenagers are being urged to be on their guard after a man tried to persuade a young girl to go off with him.

The 13-year-old high school pupil was approached twice by the stranger within a week, but ran off and contacted the police.

The incidents come amid increasing concern about the safety of children and the risks to them posed by paedophiles.

Congleton police are keen not to alarm local parents, but are treating the man's behaviour as suspicious, and are keen to speak to him.

They are also asking teenagers, in particular girls, to take care when they are out and about in the town, and to be with a friend if possible.

The girl who was approached has not been named by the police, who said the 13-year-old was alarmed by the incidents.

On the first occasion, Tuesday, July 18, she was on her way back to school at 12.45pm when the man came up to her in Leamington Road in West Heath.

A week later, on July 25, she was in the Hulme Walfield area visiting horses during the late morning when she was approached by the man in Giantswood Lane.

He asked her to go with him, but she ran off, and police are appealing for witnesses to either incident.

They have also issued a desciption of the man, who is white, in his mid-20s, about five feet 10 inches tall, and of average build.

He has brown or hazel eyes, a strong jawline, black hair with a centre parting, and possibly an Irish accent.

On the first occasion, in Leamington Road, he was wearing black clothing.

"The man said to the girl 'come with me,' and she ran off in case something else happened," said DC Janet Moore-Blundell, who is leading the investigation.

"The girl was by herself on both occasions, and did not know the man.

"We would like him to come forward, as there may be an innocent explanation for his behaviour."

Congleton crime prevention officer DC Julie Ledgar said the incidents were not common for Congleton, and they should be seen in context.

"However in the current climate people are obviously concerned about the safety of their children, and these incidents are being treated by us as a matter of concern," she said.

"If possible young people should be with a friend when they are out, and if you feel uneasy about someone, cross the road, go to a house nearby or a 24-hour business like McDonald's or a petrol station."

Anyone who has any information about the man please ring DC Moore-Blundell on 01244-613534, the Congleton Crime Line on 01244-613545 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555111.

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