Police commend 11-year-old’s actions after encounter with man

Police have stated that an 11-year-old girl “did the right thing” after a man stopped her and asked her to enter his van. The young girl reported being approached at approximately 08:00 GMT on Wednesday while walking to school. The incident occurred at the traffic lights located at the B1365 junction with Stainton Way in Middlesbrough. She subsequently ran towards her school, and her parents promptly reported the event to the police. PC Ian Pinchen, from Middlesbrough police station, remarked: “Thankfully the girl is safe, and she did the right thing by not engaging with the man and informing her parents who rightly reported it.” The police force confirmed it is actively working to identify the man, who is described as being between 30 and 40 years old. Anyone with dashcam footage from the vicinity or any pertinent information is encouraged to contact the police.