A YOUNG girl has sparked a police investigation after spotting the same strange man hanging around suspiciously on her route to school.

Police Scotland is appealing for information from the public following two incidents which occurred in the Hattonrigg area of Bellshill on Monday, March 12 and again on Monday, March 19.

The 12-year-old girl was walking to school along Hilltop Avenue when she noticed a man acting suspiciously at around 8am on Monday, March 12.

Once the girl had met up with friends, the man then disappeared off back towards Primrose Road.

The same girl was walking to school using the same route when she saw the same man again acting suspiciously at around 8am on Monday, March 19. This caused her to become alarmed so she went to a nearby friend’s house and the man then disappeared.

The suspect is described as white European, between 44 to 47 years old, 5ft 4 inches, and of heavy build. He had dark brown hair, was clean shaven although had bags under his eyes and a scruffy appearance. He was wearing a black hooded top with a white zip and black jogging bottoms that were faded around the knees.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “These two incidents have left a 12 year-old girl, although uninjured, frightened and shaken up.

“We are appealing for anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously in the area, either on these two dates or any other time in the past few weeks. We would encourage you to come forward and contact us.”

The incident comes after we reported yesterday a10-year old-boy was walking home from school along Abbeylands Road in Clydebank when a strange man drove up in his car and spoke to him.

Anyone with information should contact Motherwell Police Office via 101, quoting incident number 3323 of Monday 12 March 2018. Alternatively you can contact CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.

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