AN INVESTIGATION has been launched after a driver pulled up close to a primary school in Blackburn and attempted to lure a nine-year-old girl into his car.

At around 3.10pm yesterday police received a report of a man approaching the primary school pupil on Philips Road, Little Harwood, as they had just finished school.

The man drove past the girl twice before stopping and asking the pupil to get into his car.

Officers said the pupil was sensible enough to refuse to get into the car and they report the incident to people near-by.

The man in the car is described as white, with greying hair and wearing sunglasses. He was driving a grey/silver vehicle, possibly a Vauxhall Astra or something similar.

No arrest has been made but police have stepped up patrols in the area.

Headteacher of St Stephen’s CE Primary School, Jacqui Young, said: “Obviously this sort of incident is very worrying for pupils and parents. However everyone at St Stephen’s takes the welfare and safety of pupils very seriously.

“There has been a police presence outside the school. We ask parents and pupils to remain vigilant while going to and from school.”

Sgt Darren Lee said: “This is being investigated as a report of suspicious activity and we have no evidence that any child has been abducted or even attempted to be abducted.

“Despite this we understand that people are still going to be alarmed and concerned and we would like to reassure people that we take all reports like this seriously and all are being thoroughly investigated.

“Neighbourhood policing officers have been, and will continue to be, in contact with people in the area, and parents are reminded to be vigilant at all times.

“As is sometimes the case when people start to talk about such incidents, stories are confused and added to as they are passed on, without any malicious intent, and after the story has been retold a few times it can become exaggerated. It is really important that people report first hand instances of suspicious behaviour and to try and avoid repeating gossip and third hand information.

“Officers will continue to maintain strong links with schools to discuss any developments and where appropriate further information will be released via the appropriate channels. People need to be wary of misinformation which is often provided by channels other than the schools or police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 0900 of May 1.

Alternatively, directly email either: PC 1010 Blundell on 1010@lancashire.pnn.police.uk or PC 6115 Hamill on 6115@lancashire.pnn.police.uk Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.