Parents have been warned to be on the lookout after children were reportedly threatened by a man on a housing estate.

A letter to parents at Chilmington Lakes in Ashford has said that the children were approached by the man while playing.

The letter, claiming to come from a nearby primary school, said that staff had been made aware of the incident yesterday.

"We have been advised of an incident on Chilmington Lakes estate, involving a man approaching children whilst they were playing and threatening to hurt their parents if they didn't do as he said," the letter states.

"Later, the man was seen hiding and watching the children.

"The incident was reported to the police and neighbourhood watch. Please be extra vigilant and report anything suspicious to the police."

A police spokesman said: "We were contacted at 6pm yesterday regarding a suspicious incident near Ashford Road, Ashford.

"It was reported that a man in a black BMW had spoken to a group of children and made comments about throwing stones.

"None of the children were harmed or followed during the incident."

Anyone with information or concerns is advised to contact Kent Police through our website or by calling 101, quoting reference 23-1013.