Schoolgirl, 11, has rucksack grabbed by stranger while walking home

A school has warned parents to stay vigilant after a girl’s rucksack was grabbed by an unknown man on her walk home.

The girl, aged 11, managed to run home before anything more sinister happened on Tuesday afternoon.

Police have logged what happened as an attempted robbery and added officers are ‘increasing their presence in the area at appropriate times’ outside Kelvin Hall School in Hull.

Zainab, who also has an 11-year-old daughter at the school, said: ‘My daughter is in Year 7 and 11 years old.

‘I usually pick her up from school but now I prefer to be exactly on time so she isn’t waiting outside.

‘I received an email about the situation last night. It is very worrying, especially as it is still a new school for her.’

A dad parked outside the school who has a child in Year 7 said: ‘I’m here to get my son today. I always pick him up but it is still a worry when things like this happen.’

Several parents said they are now picking up their children from school instead of letting them walk home.

One mum added: ‘I will be collecting my child in the car tomorrow evening now from school.

‘Most children walk home alone or in small groups. My child would normally walk home but I will be driving to and from school especially during these winter, dark evenings.

‘I would expect the school to hold an assembly to discuss it with them as some children will probably be scared, especially as it happened to a Year 7 girl who will only be 11 or 12 years old.’

A spokesperson for Kelvin Hall School said: ‘Following this worrying incident, we are supporting our students with appropriate pastoral care.

‘We are reminding all of our students to be vigilant to and from school, as well as having informed parents and carers of what occurred, stressing the need for vigilance.

‘Furthermore, we have notified our neighbouring schools and we will liaise with the family and the police throughout.’

Inspector Jamie Campbell said: ‘We are taking this report incredibly seriously and have been following up further enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. We have visited the girl and her family and have conducted a number of enquiries around the reported location, including viewing CCTV footage in the area.

‘We know that reports such as these can cause shock and concern to parents, residents and the wider community and we will be increasing our presence in the area at the appropriate times.

‘Officers from the Neighbourhood Policing Team will also be working with schools in the area to reassure pupils while offering the appropriate safeguarding advice.’

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