7/5/2008

Surrey Local News

Alert after man approaches schoolgirl

A SUSPICIOUS incident in which a schoolgirl was approached by a man as she made her way home is being investigated by police in Cranleigh.

Officers have issued an appeal for any witnesses who were in the Bax Close area of the village at about 4pm on Monday, April 28.

The man, who got out of a red saloon car to speak to the young girl, was described as white, aged between 50 and 70-years-old, and very thin with white hair and a beard.

He was wearing a green jacket, which was buttoned up, an olive green tweed flat cap, and was said to have had a foreign accent.

The suspect, whose car was very muddy and had dents and scratches to the bodywork, was later seen accompanied by a small dog, which had a limp.

Neighbourhood Inspector Simon Dann said: “Cranleigh is a very safe place to live and these sorts of incidents are rare. This child did the right thing in walking away from the situation.

"I would also urge anyone to report any similar incidents to the police immediately so we can catch those responsible.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 125 2222, quoting reference WV/08/654.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously and free of charge on 0800 555 111.

First printed in: Surrey Advertiser Online