Christ the King Catholic High School and Sixth Form Centre has issued a safeguarding alert to parents after two disturbing incidents involving an adult male at a bus stop used by students. The man, believed to be in his 50s, was seen making sexual gestures and swearing at pupils while drinking alcohol near the Lord Street bus stop in Southport.
What Happened?
The two incidents occurred near the 47 bus route. In the first incident, the man was seen sitting at the stop drinking alcohol and making sexualized hand gestures toward students. In the second incident, on the morning of June 19, he was spotted behind the shelter again, reportedly drinking vodka and swearing through the bus window at students.
The man is described as white, in his 50s, with grey hair, and wearing a camouflage cap featuring a snake emblem.
School and Police Response
Christ the King issued the alert in coordination with Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council (MBC), which confirmed the message was sent to all schools in the borough by the Assistant Director for Safeguarding.
Both incidents have been reported to Merseyside Police and the Safer Schools Officer. While no arrests have been made, police are urging anyone with information to call 101, quoting the incident reference.
Parents can also contact the school’s safeguarding team via email at [email protected].
Community Guidance and Safety Measures
The school has advised students to avoid interacting with strangers and to report any suspicious behaviour. It also encouraged parents to speak with their children about personal safety and what to do if approached by unknown adults.
Southport Student Safety Tips:
- Avoid standing alone at bus stops.
- Remain aware of surroundings and people nearby.
- Report incidents immediately to police or school safeguarding leads.
- Use group travel where possible.
Local Authority Statement
A Sefton MBC spokesperson told UK News in Pictures
“This alert was issued to all schools in the area. As the matter is under police investigation, we are unable to comment further.”
Merseyside Police continue to investigate and urge anyone who witnessed the incidents to contact them directly or report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or www.merseyside.police.uk.
Why This Matters
Safeguarding concerns near schools raise broader questions about the safety of public spaces frequented by children. According to the National Police Chiefs’ Council, public transport hubs remain vulnerable to antisocial behaviour, especially during peak school hours.
Christ the King Catholic High School’s prompt response is part of a wider effort in Southport to keep young people safe, supported by Sefton MBC and Merseyside Police.
