POLICE are warning children and parents to be on their guard after a man tried to accost two young girls.

The incident happened as the girls were walking down Bunkers Hill Avenue towards St Radigund’s Walk at Dover.

A man, who was standing in some bushes, jumped out at them and grabbed one of them by the shoulders.

The girls managed to get away but saw the man again as they left a shop in Eric Road, where he offered them sweets.

Police said the girls did the right thing by running home and telling their parents.

The man is described as white, aged 25 to 50, five feet six inches to six feet tall, with black shoulder length hair. He was wearing black clothing and brown shoes.

The incident occurred at about 3.30pm on Sunday, April 9.

If anyone is approached by a suspicious person they are advised to follow the advice they are taught about stranger danger:

* Never go with a stranger, never get in a car with a stranger, never take things from a stranger, never go off on your own and keep with other children and never be afraid to say "NO!"

* Any child who is frightened by a stranger is advised to run home and tell their mum or dad, and if they can not run home, tell someone they can trust, such as a policeman or policewoman, teacher or an adult they know well.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on Dover (01304) 240055.