A MOTHER is warning parents to guard their children after a young man tried to grab her daughter in the street.

The 11-year-old was set upon as she walked to school in Dartford. The man grabbed the girl’s coat in Miskin Road after following her a short distance.

She managed to run away and was unhurt but was left badly shocked and distressed.

The girl’s mother said: “I could have lost my daughter. This has made us very scared and I am now warning other parents so they can protect their youngsters.”

The incident occurred at about 8.15am on Monday. The man fled in the direction of West Hill.

The mother added: "I am a very protective mum and I get my daughter to ring me five minutes after she has left home and keep her talking until she reaches the school gate.

“This time she didn’t ring and straight away I felt something was wrong. I rang her and she was screaming and crying down the phone.

“I ran to where she was and we called the police. My daughter is now petrified."

Staff at the victim’s school said they were issuing letters to other parents to warn them about what happened.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “A mother reported an incident, saying that her daughter was approached by a man who, the girl said, tried to grab her.”

Officers say they wish to speak to a man described as white and young, wearing dark clothing and carrying a bag over his shoulder. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01474 331055.