Police are investigating after a girl was approached by a strange man on her way to school.

The young girl was approached by a man in a car in the Cheriton area of Folkestone as she walked along Shatesbury Avenue at about 8.15am on Friday.

The man was sitting in the driver’s seat of a silver coloured car, possibly a Citreon, when he spoke to her and put his arm out of the window.

The girl ran to school and reported it to a member of staff who contacted police.

Police responded with high visibility patrols and are liasing with schools in the area to make them aware.

Acting Chief Inspector Joe Bushnell, Shepway District Commander said: “I would like to praise this girl for doing exactly the right thing and finding an adult she could trust and reporting it to them.

“The risk of a child being harmed by a stranger in this manner is very low and school children are regularly given advice about what to do if they are frightened of strangers.”

He advised parents and guardians to remind their children of stranger danger, adding they should: never go with a stranger; get in a car with a stranger; take things from a stranger; go off on their own without other children.

If you would like to talk to your local neighbourhood policeman about any concerns you may have, you can find out how to contact them on the Kent Police website: www.kent.police.uk

In an emergency, if a crime is in progress call 999. For non-urgent calls phone 01303 850055.

If you have information about crime but would prefer to remain anonymous call Kent Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.