THE FATHER of a schoolgirl who was asked to get into a stranger’s van is calling for action against potential predators.

Peter Gibbons was shocked to learn that his 12-year-old daughter had been approached by a man driving a white van when she was on her way to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School on Monday morning.

She left her home in Haslingden to catch a bus on Manchester Road when the incident happened.

Mr Gibbons said: “A man in a white van beeped his horn at her, but she ignored him. Then he pulled in to the bus stop she was walking towards, leaned over to the passenger-side and opened the door, asking her if she wanted to get in.

“Luckily she said no thank you, and someone from the other side of the street crossed the road to see if she was OK. The man soon drove off.”

When the girl arrived at school she told her teachers, who reported the incident to the police. She then told her parents when she returned home that evening.

Mr Gibbons added that he recently spoke to his children about the danger of strangers, after a letter was sent from school.

He said: “There has been a spate of incidents in the area and the school sent a letter warning parents to make sure their children were alert.

“But more needs to be done. The police and council need to get together to protect children in the area. Extra patrols when children are walking to and from school would be a start.

“This is something I will be pursuing with both the police and councillors.”

Councillor Granville Morris said he was very concerned. He said: “Thankfully this young lady had the sense to act accordingly and good-spirited people came to her aid.”

“It’s very worrying to hear about this and its important that children are made aware of how to protect themselves.

“Having said that, I am confident that schools are doing their part in making sure pupils and parents are aware of what is going on and how best to protect themselves.“I now I hope the police can work to establish exactly what has happened.”

Police said they were investigating. Anyone with information is ask to contact 101.