An investigation has been launched after a father with a young child was threatened by a man holding a syringe in a public toilet.

Police were called to William Street, Herne Bay by the parent, who was with his child at the time.

No injuries were reported and officers later arrived at the scene to search the area.

Following the incident, which happened just after 3.30pm on Friday, the boy's school, Herne Bay Juniors, sent an email to parents this afternoon urging them to be watchful.

It said: "Good afternoon, it has come to our attention that a child was approached by a man in the public toilets in William Street.

"A man was holding a syringe and making threats.

"Please tell your child to avoid using public toilets alone. The police have advised that we make you aware."

Parents from Herne Bay Infants School were sent a similar message.

A police spokesman said: "Kent Police was called to the public toilets in William Street, Herne Bay, at 3.31pm on Friday, February 8, after a member of the public reported being threatened by a man with a syringe in the presence of his child.

"Patrols attended and searched the area and enquiries into the incident are ongoing. No injuries were reported."