Police have said local families should “be cautious, but not alarmed”, after local schools issued a warning following an incident in Rednal, opposite McDonalds, last week.
The initial warning came in a letter to parents and carers from Colmers School headteacher Barry Doherty.
In the letter, Mr Doherty informed families of an incident which happened after school on Tuesday 30th January.
He wrote: “The student was walking home from school, passing Kidderminster Carpets, when an elderly male unsuccessfully attempted to grab the student’s arm or coat. The student did not delay in speaking to their parents who, like us, made contact with the police to report the incident.”
West Midlands Police confirm they did receive a report and that officers had spoken to an 11 year old girl and her parents.
A police spokeswoman said: “The […] girl reported a man sitting on a wall putting his arm out – he did not grab her or say anything to her.
“Officers have been and spoken to her and her parents, a description was taken and it’s been recorded as suspicious activity. An intelligence report has been submitted.”
The spokeswoman said: “We’d encourage residents to be cautious, but not alarmed.”
In his letter, Mr Doherty went on to remind families about safety: “We urge our students to walk with their friends, whenever possible, and to always avoid speaking to strangers and reporting anything suspicious or unwanted to parents, carers, the police and school without any delay. ”
The incident is not under active investigation but an intelligence report has been submitted. If anyone does have any information or sees any suspicious activity, please contact West Midlands Police on 101. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org