Police Hunt Man Who Followed Schoolgirls in Dursley Town Centre
Police have released a CCTV photo of a man who allegedly followed two young girls through Dursley on the evening of Saturday, 7 October. The chilling incident took place just before 8pm, sparking fears in the quiet town.
Girls Spooked as Man Tails Them Through Streets
The two girls, aged 11 and 12, were walking along Castle Street towards Sainsbury’s when they noticed a man, believed to be in his 40s, following them. The girls quickly changed direction, but the man doubled back and continued to trail them.
As they approached Long Street, the girls ran off, with the man chasing after them. Luckily, a bystander stepped in and blocked the man’s path, forcing him to turn away.
Suspect Did Not Speak or Touch the Girls
The man did not say a word or attempt any physical contact, but his behaviour terrified the young victims. Police want to speak to him to get to the bottom of why he was following the girls.
“This was a very concerning incident involving two young girls. While there is nothing to suggest that the man had any criminal intention, his behaviour was clearly threatening and left the girls in a state of fear,” said Sergeant Garrett Gloyn, Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team.
“We want to identify the man involved so we can speak to him about what happened.”
Extra Patrols Launched to Reassure Dursley Residents
Following the incident, police have boosted patrols in Dursley to reassure the community. Anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV image is urged to contact Gloucestershire Constabulary quoting incident 374 of 7 October.
