Men 'with metal bars' threaten school children

A school in Wirral is urging pupils to be vigilant after an attempted robbery of school children by a group of men armed with "metal poles".

A number of pupils were approached by the group of five or six men on Black Horse Hill on Tuesday, after the school day had ended, a Hilbre High School representative said in an email to parents and carers.

The men, who got out of two vans, were reportedly attempting to steal phones and valuables and were chased but the teenagers managed to escape and run to safety, the school said.

There are no reports of injuries and Merseyside Police said enquiries are ongoing.

The school has advised children to remain vigilant when walking in the area and to avoid taking a shortcut through Grange Cemetery.

Merseyside Police said it was aware of an incident in the West Kirby area on Tuesday afternoon "where students from Hilbre High School were reportedly approached by a group of men with shovels and tools who chased them towards Lang Lane".

"While this incident was not reported to police at the time, we have since become aware and have identified and spoken to a victim and are making enquiries to find the identity of the offenders and the motive," Insp Sharon Robinson said.

"An investigation is underway in the area and we are liaising with staff at the school and will be providing reassurance in the area."

Hilbre High School headteacher John Barlow confirmed the school was assisting the police with enquiries.

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