PUPILS at a Ramsbottom primary school are being warned about ‘stranger danger’ after two boys were approached while walking home.

St Joseph’s RC Primary School sent texts out to parents warning them about a recent incident in which a man, believed to be aged between 25 and 35, tried to persuade the boys to go home with him.

The school, in Queen’s Street, sent a string of texts to parents warning them about the episode which happened on Tuesday July 7, and asking them to ‘be vigilant’ and talk to their children about ‘stranger danger.’

The offender is believed to have touched one pupil’s hair and tried to stop them both from passing.

He attempted to persuade them to go to his house claiming ‘dad’ had sent him.

He said if they didn’t go with him, he would tell ‘dad’ they had been smoking, although they managed to get away.

Headteacher Mr Jim Graves said: “An incident that we strongly felt our parents at St Joseph's should know about was reported to our parents via our text service.

“We also informed other local schools. The police are aware of this incident, having spoken with both the families and the school.

“If anyone has any information, please can they contact Ramsbottom police immediately.

“I would ask parents to speak to their children about how to react to incidents like this.

“I am very proud of the way our two children handled this situation and stayed safe."

The man has been described as thin, with short hair, approximately 5ft 8in, of fair complexion and had "big teeth".

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101.