Police have urged youngsters to walk with friends after a 10-year-old boy was followed by a man in Whitstable.

The man caught him up and put his arm across his shoulder.

The boy got away and ran home and his mother reported the incident to police.

Officers do not know what the man’s intentions were but the boy, who was on his way home from school, was upset by the encounter.

He had been followed down an alleyway leading to Gladstone Road just off the High Street at about 4pm on Friday.

The man is described as having black, untidy hair with a fringe, black rimmed glasses and aged in his late 20s, approximately 5ft 9in and wearing a blue top, blue jeans and trainers.

Police have advised youngsters to walk with friends and where possible to keep to main routes.

Sgt Dave Brenchley said: “We are not aware of why the man did this or what his intentions were, but his actions did cause concern to the boy.

"It may be that his intention was innocent in which case we would ask him to contact police so that this matter can be resolved.

"We would also urge anyone who may have seen the man in the area on Friday afternoon to contact us as they may have information that can assist us.”

Police should be contacted on 01227 762055, quouting reference 04-1024.