Police are investigating after reports that a suspicious man was spotted waving a teddy bear at the gates of a school and nursery.

Godinton Primary School head teacher Jim Holditch has written a letter to parents and informed other schools and nurseries after what was described as a “possible child protection incident” this morning.

In his letter Mr Holditch says the incident took place outside the Busy Bees nursery at the site in Lockholt Close.

A member of staff saw a tall, white man who was parked up in a white estate car near the school gates.

Allegedly the man waved the bear at the staff member “as if to beckon her to him” but as she got closer she didn’t recognise him, and told her colleagues at the nursery who went out to investigate, by which time the suspicious man had driven off.

In his letter Mr Holditch states that there may be “an innocent explanation” for what happened, but asked parents to be "extra vigilant".

Police spokesman Sally Smith said the incident was reported at 11.30am, and that officers from the public protection unit have been made aware.

Anyone with information is being asked to call 101.