Police are investigating reports a man pulled out a knife in front of a 15-year-old girl near a secondary school.
Officers from Cheshire Constabulary were called to reports of "suspicious activity" near Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy (OBA) on Barnfield Avenue in Runcorn at around 7.30pm on Friday, February 24. A force spokesman said the 15-year-old witness reported seeing an "unknown man acting suspiciously", although he didn't approach or speak to her.
The girl's mother posted on Facebook to say the man pulled a knife out of his pocket and put it at his side, causing the girl to flee. She said it happened near the blue sports court near Stockham Lane, with the colour referring to its perimeter fence.
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The sports court is in a public area and not part of the OBA site.
Police have described the man as "possibly" having a knife. The force spokesman told the ECHO: "At around 7.30pm on Friday, February 24, police were called to reports of suspicious activity in Runcorn.
"A 15-year-old teenager reported witnessing an unknown man acting suspiciously near to OBA School on Barnfield Avenue. At no point did the man approach or speak to the teenager.
"The man was described as black and at the time, was wearing a bubble jacket and possibly in possession of a knife. Officers attended and conducted a thorough search of the area but found no trace of the man.
"Police have not received any reports of similar incidents. However, officers are aware of rumours circulating on social media and would urge residents not to speculate.
"Enquiries in relation to the incident are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1487002."
On Facebook, Runcorn police added: "To clarify, there is no evidence suggesting the male in question is a foreign national, or has any links to the Daresbury Hotel."
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