A young schoolgirl was reportedly "followed" by a man on her way to Our Lady Star of the Sea school in Liverpool, sparking a police investigation. The incident occurred around 8.25am on Monday, causing alarm among parents and carers across Sefton who received a safeguarding alert from the local council.

The alert read: "A year six pupil reported this to staff this morning. We have informed the child's parents and the police. A pupil at Our Lady Star of the Sea has reported that she was followed by a man on her way to school at 8:25am on Monday March 24 in Seaforth."

The man was described as a tall white adult male, slightly tanned, about mid forties, with a grey beard, flat brown hair and dressed in black fingerless gloves, black clothes and a brown puffy jacket. "His jacket was open and he was slim built. The pupil noticed him while crossing on Seaforth Road as he was too close and made her feel uncomfortable."

The girl quickened her pace but the man continued to follow her down Lime Grove, shouting 'wait up' in a deep voice, possibly with a Scottish accent. The girl then phoned a friend and entered the school grounds, at which point the man stopped following her and walked down Maple Close.

Merseyside Police spokesperson affirmed that the force has initiated an investigation into suspicious activities reported in Seaforth. "We can confirm we received a report yesterday, Monday March 24, of suspicious behaviour in Seaforth. It was alleged that a man was following a girl as she walked to school on Knowsley Road at around 8.25am", reports Liverpool Echo. 

"There is no indication a crime took place or that a crime was attempted. Officers from the Sefton local policing team are patrolling the area and are liaising with the local schools. Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information can call 101 or Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' with reference 227 of 24 March."