Police have called for calm in Whitstable after mulitple reports of a man in a white van approaching youngsters.

Officers say they have received three reports of youngsters being confronted by a man but have reassured the public while behaviour may be odd no-one has been accosted.

They also say reports have been made via social media.

The incidents took place on Saturday and Sunday but police believe they are not linked because of the difference in areas and times.

On Saturday a 15-year-old girl refused a lift in Sherwood Drive, Seasalter, at about 7.30am. The man drove off soon after.

Later that morning it was reported a van drove past a teenage boy in Newton Road, Whitstable between 8am and 8.40am.

One of the van doors was open at the time but the man did not speak to the boy.

Finally, on Sunday a white van was spotted in a supermarket car park during the evening. The driver was described as suspicious although police are unsure why.

The report was made by a third party. Officers are speaking with the vehicle owner and are weighing up whether to study the supermarket's CCTV.

Chief Inspector Mark Arnold said: "We treat every report of suspicious behaviour extremely seriously, whether that report is made to the police or via social media, and particularly where children are concerned."

"We have the expertise and resources to deal effectively with such reports and would urge people to contact the police on 101 if they see or hear anything suspicious."

Police also say they have received two calls suggesting the man was collecting recycling or looking to buy scrap metal.

Extra police have been drafted in the Swalecliffe area in a bid to reassure the public and to see if anyone can help ongoing inquiries.