AN elderly man spotted wearing a girl’s school uniform near a Leigh secondary school and on a bus “does not pose a risk”, according to police who have urged the public to stop sharing photos of him.

Social media has been flooded with reports of the man wearing Belfairs Academy uniform in the vicinity of the Highlands Boulevard school this week, as well as on a bus in the area while children travelled home. 

Photos have also been posted online of the man wearing a Milton Hall Primary School uniform

READ MORE

Essex Police has identified the individual and officers from its community policing team have discussed the incident with the man in question.

The force says it understands the community’s concerns, but the man is not a risk to the public.

Police have also urged residents to stop sharing photographs of the individual on social media.

Posts shared on Facebook identifying the man have attracted hundreds of comments and shares.

Bosses at Essex Police have reiterated that no crimes had been committed and that the force has the situation under control.

School uniform supplier Paul’s School and Workwear in Southchurch Road says it has received multiple emails and calls regarding the individual.

In a post on Facebook, a spokesman for the business said it had not sold him the Belfairs uniform but added: “He was in store this week purchasing a grey box pleat skirt that he said was for his granddaughter, he is now banned from the shop.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of a person dressed in an inappropriate outfit in the vicinity of a school  in Leigh today, Thursday 19 January.

"Officers from the Community Policing Team have carried out enquiries and identified the person concerned. 

"Officers have discussed the incident with the person and it is being treated as a mental health related incident.

"The man has been referred for specialist support.

"Although this may have caused community concerns, we would like to reassure the public that no offences have been committed and that this individual does not pose a risk.

"We would like to remind the public that continued circulation of images on social media could have a detrimental personal impact on those concerned and we would ask that the public refrain from circulating images."

A spokesman for Belfairs Academy said: "The academy is aware of the picture circulating on social media and we have informed the police.

"Officers have confirmed to me that they are actively patrolling the community following reports to Essex Police."