A Deal primary school has sent out a warning message to parents after a suspicious man followed a girl.

The incident which involved a man in a white van and a Year 5 pupil from Deal Parochial Primary School was reported on Tuesday morning.

The man, who looked between 30 and 45-years-old, appeared to slow down and follow the girl from Hamilton Road into Telegraph Road on her way to school.

A warning letter written by head teacher Justine Brown was sent out to parents and carers.

It read: “The van circulated around the streets a few times before slowing right down whilst the man stared at the girl and a family she had joined.”

A police spokesman said: “Deal Parochial School reported this to us late on Tuesday morning.

“The pupil was not harmed, the man did not speak, approach or touch the child and no other incidents have been reported.

“Details of the incident were circulated to police patrols.

He added: “Suspicious incidents that are happening now should be reported immediately on 999. To report an incident that has already happened phone 101.”

A Missing People spokeswoman said: “Last year there were six child abductions by a parent, nine abductions by someone other than a parent, and 12 child kidnappings all together in the Kent Police region.”

If you have any concerns visit ww.childabduction.org.uk