A secondary school has warned its pupils to be safe over half term after an 11-year-old girl was approached by a motorist.

It happened on Friday, October 14 at a bus stop in Seabrook as the child was waiting for a bus to school at about 7.30am.

The pupil was on her way to Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Hythe - and the school has issued a text about the incident today.

It said: "Dear parents, please reinforce the message that students need to travel in pairs to and from school and during half term.

"We have had our third attempted abduction."

Detective Sergeant Cara Ferguson said: "The victim was waiting at a bus stop in Seabrook Road, near the junction with Horn Street, at about 7.30am when the woman pulled up in a dark purple car, possibly a Peugeot 108.

"She asked the victim if she wanted a lift and told her to get in the car.

"The victim refused and got out her mobile phone at which point the woman drove off towards Hythe.

"The victim then made her way safely to school."

The woman is described as being aged about 50, white, with a short blonde bob and a Birmingham accent.

She had a heart tattoo on her left arm and was wearing a purple Gap jumper, blue denim shorts and gold hoop earrings.

Detectives would like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen the incident.

They are also keen to hear from a boy who was waiting at the bus stop, as he may have important information for the investigation.

The police have said the incident is possibly linked with a similar incident that happened on Tuesday, September 27 in Red Lion Square, Hythe.

KentOnline exclusively spoke to the mother of the pupil, Jo Moon, whose daughter Beth was allegedly approached.

Head teacher Sonette Schwartz said: "We are working with the police.

"Students have been told to walk in pairs and parents have been informed.

"We warn families to remain vigilant during half term."

Schools across the Shepway district have been warning their parents of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call Kent Police on 01843 222289 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting reference SI/ZY/009189/16.