POLICE are stepping up patrols following fresh reports of a man stalking young girls.

A member of the public came to the rescue of three 11-year-old girls when she spotted them fleeing from a man in Ramsbottom.

The incident happened in Ripon Hall Avenue in the Broadhey area on Thursday evening (June 22).

All the girls were escorted home by the "Good Samaritan".

Thursday's incident came just days after an eight-year-old girl escaped from a stranger who tried to abduct her in woods in Knowl Meadow, also on the Broadhey estate.

The man grabbed the girl's t-shirt but she slapped his hand and ran to a nearby house.

Police are examining the sex offenders' register in a bid to trace the stalker.

In both incidents the man is described as being in his late 30s or early 40s, with short dark hair and wearing a black jacket. The girls involved in the second ordeal believe the stranger's hair could also have been partly ginger.

Parents and children in the area are being warned to be on their guard and report anyone acting suspiciously.

Detective Sergeant Duncan Heywood said: "We would ask people in Ramsbottom to adopt a common sense approach and remain vigilant."

Members of the public who have information about either incident or would like to report anyone acting suspiciously in the Broadhey area should contact Bury CID on 0161 856 8150, Ramsbottom Police Station on 0161 856 8181 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.