Parents have been alerted after a girl reported being followed to school by a bearded man in a van.

The girl raised the alarm when she arrived at Folkestone Academy, saying the driver, who had a ginger beard and wore a beanie hat, pulled up beside her and tried speaking with her.

The suspect then followed her in his white van to the school in Academy Lane, along Cornwallis Avenue, prompting a police appeal for witnesses.

The school issued a text to parents saying: “I am writing to inform you that this morning one of our female secondary pupils was followed to school by a man in a white van.

“As soon as she got into school she reported the situation to staff who immediately alerted the police.

“The man was driving a white van, had a long ginger beard and was wearing a beanie hat.

“We have taken the opportunity to remind pupils not to speak to strangers and to report anything they feel uncomfortable about.”

The spokesman urged parents to flag concerns with the school and encourage children to report suspicious activities.

Police officers, whose search for the suspect failed to turn up any leads, said a probe into the incident was ongoing.

A spokesman said: “Kent Police was called at 9.01am on Thursday March 22 following a suspicious incident in the Cornwallis Avenue area of Folkestone.

“It was reported that a girl was spoken to by a man in a white van who drove alongside her as she walked to school.

“Officers attended and carried out a search of the local area but were unable to locate the vehicle.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances behind the incident."

The force has published a four point plan for children and adults to help reduce the risk of an attack or abduction.

It says: “Do not walk home alone late at night. If you do then choose well-lit main roads and walk confidently.

“If someone does grab your bag fighting back is not always a good idea, you do not know if your attacker has a weapon.

“Always be aware of your surroundings and the people around you. Reading and listening to music can be distracting.

“In a busy public place, try to use your mobile phone only in an emergency as it is advertising the fact that you have a phone. Whilst using your mobile phone you are distracted, making it easier to take it from you” - Kent Police

It also advises to shout "fire" rather than "help” because it tends to attract more attention.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101. Reports can also be made to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.