Children are being warned to be on their guard after two youngsters were approached by someone in a white van on two separate occasions.

Police are now investigating as children were reportedly approached by a man or men in vans in the Sevenoaks area.

Officers were called at around 5.08pm on Tuesday, after a 10-year-old boy reported a man acting suspiciously in Aisher Way, Riverhead.

It's said a man in a van pulled up alongside the youngster, encouraging him to get in. The boy fled the scene and was not followed.

At around 3.37pm the following day police were again called to reports of suspicious behaviour in Grove Road, Sevenoaks.

This time, a 12-year-old boy reported similar circumstances, saying a van stopped in a road and the driver then chased him.

As he returned home, the boy told his parents, who informed the police.

Hugh Christie Technology College, in Tonbridge, also issued a warning via email to parents and carers following the incident, as one of the boys involved is reportedly a student at the school.

The message read: "We are concerned to hear of a report involving a man chasing a Hugh Christie student in the Sevenoaks area after leaving the school bus. The man was in a white van."

It continued: "Please speak with your children regarding this. We advise if they are approached by a stranger and feel comfortable that they:

"Say the word NO clearly and loudly.

"Go away from the scene as fast as possible to a safe place like a shop or other public place.

"Yell very loudly for help if necessary.

"Tell you or other adult they know and trust about the incident as soon as possible."

Acting Detective Inspector Garry Cook said: "Incidents where children are approached in this manner are extremely rare but naturally cause concern in the community.

"Children are regularly taught at school how to stay safe and deal with incidents like this and both of them did exactly the right thing on these occasions.

"Whilst there may be an innocent explanation to both incidents I want to reassure everyone that we always take reports like this very seriously.

"We are carrying out a number of enquiries to try trace any vehicles and people which may be involved and I would urge anyone with information that may help, to contact us on 101."