The truth behind a suspicious incident involving a white van in Sevenoaks has been revealed by police.

Officers were called just after 5pm on Tuesday, March 1 to a report of a man acting suspiciously in Aisher Way, Riverhead.

It was reported a 10-year-old boy was walking along the road when a vehicle pulled up alongside him and the driver beckoned him over.

The boy ran away and was not followed.

It came as other suspicious incidents involving white vans were being reported across west Kent.

Two secondary schools issued warnings to students and parents.

The driver of the van in question has since contacted officers and explained he lives near the boy and stopped to speak with him, but the youngster did not recognise him.

Officers have now spoken to the child and his parents, who have accepted the incident was a misunderstanding.

"Sevenoaks remains a safe place to live, work and visit" - Garry Cook, acting DI

Garry Cook, acting detective inspector, said: "Reports involving adults approaching children naturally cause concern in the community but it is important to remember there is often an innocent explanation.

"While I would continue to urge anyone who has a genuine concern around suspicious behaviour to report it to us, I would also appeal for people to act responsibly when sharing such information with others.

"Rumours on social media and within the local community have generated additional reports of people in vans acting suspiciously, when in many cases there are valid reasons for drivers slowing down to find their destination or to ask for directions.

"Sevenoaks remains a safe place to live, work and visit, and I hope the outcome of our investigation into this particular incident helps put some parents’ minds at rest."