Flasher on the loose in Formby

Merseyside schools have been put on alert after reports of a flasher on the loose.

Formby schools have notified parents and guardians after reports a pervert exposed himself to schoolgirls.

Formby High School warned of two incidents this week where female pupils have been followed leaving school.

In a letter to parents, the school said: “We would like you to be aware of two incidents that have occurred this week.

“On two evenings after school, female students have been followed by a male member of the public and, on one occasion, he exposed himself.

On both occasions, students were walking along footpaths in the late afternoon.

We have made the police aware of the situation and will speak with all students about our concerns.”

The letter from Formby High has been distributed to other schools in the area, including primary schools.

Advice has been issued to students not to walk home alone and to avoid quiet areas and footpaths.

Students have been told to ring home, school or the police if they believe they are being followed, or witness anything which makes them feel uncomfortable.

The letter adds: “Whilst we do not wish to overly concern students, we do recommend that this is discussed at home and a common sense approach to personal safety is adopted."

Headteacher Dominic Mackenzie said: “We were made aware by some of our female students that, on two occasions this week, they have been followed by a member of the public.

"This information has been reported to the local police and, in the interests of safeguarding our students, we have shared the same information with students and parents at our school and with neighbouring schools in Formby.”

The Formby incidents follows reports at several Merseyside schools of men indecently exposing themselves to pupils.

Police were made aware last week of a man who flashed at a group of girls as they were walking to St Hilda’s CE High School, near Sefton Park.

The pervert called the girls over as they passed the junction of Lodge Lane and Croxteth Grove before exposing himself.

The following day, at around 8.30am, two teenage schoolgirls were forced to run as a man matching the same description followed them along Lodge Lane.

A 21-year-old man was later arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure.

Schools in Woolton also warned parents and pupils to be vigilant after a 12-year-old girl was approached by a stranger on her way to school.

And yesterday, Merseyside Police confirmed they were looking for a man driving white van after two school girls were grabbed in separate incidents on the Wirral.

Anyone with information can call Merseyside Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.