Todmorden schoolgirl followed by masked man with carving knife

A schoolgirl from Todmorden was left shaking and crying after she was followed by a man holding a knife on her way home from school.
The schoolgirl was followed up Burnley Road.The schoolgirl was followed up Burnley Road.
The schoolgirl was followed up Burnley Road.

The 14-year-old said she felt she was being followed by the man, who did not speak to her, shortly after 3pm on Friday.

He had a bandanna covering his face and was carrying what the girl described as a 'big carving knife'.

A similar incident was reported a few months ago.

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The girl's father, who did not wish to be named, said: "She was very upset by it, obviously.

"She ran home and was crying and panicking. She's alright now, she's resilient, but it was a huge initial shock.

"We don't know anything about this man or what sort of issues he might have - we don't want some sort of witch-hunt.

"But it makes me sick to my stomach what sort of damage could have been caused if something had have happened."

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Shortly after the incident, the man is believed to have made his way up Victoria Road, opposite Todmorden Cricket Club.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "Police received a report that a member of the public had seen a man in possession of a knife while walking on Harley Street, Todmorden on Friday (18/01).

"The incident is believed to have happened at around 3.15pm. Enquiries remain ongoing.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting crime reference 1319035552."