Two arrests have been made after an alleged attempted kidnapping was reported near a school.

Kemsley Primary Academy, in Kemsley near Sittingbourne, has confirmed reports of a masked man attempting to take a child in the nearby recreation ground, along Grovehurst Avenue, at 4.30pm yesterday.

A police spokesman said: “We were called to a report of an attempted abduction of a child yesterday afternoon.

“Officers attended and, as part of their enquiries, arrested two men from Sittingbourne, aged 29 and 60, on suspicion of attempted kidnap. They remain in custody. The victim was able to leave the scene and return home safely.”

In an email sent to parents, head teacher Iris Homer confirmed assembly warning children about “stranger danger” will be held following the incident.

She said: “We have been informed there has been an attempted kidnap on a child by a slight/athletic man around 5ft 9, with dark eyes, wearing black sportswear, white gloves and a full ski mask.

“During assembly, the school shall be reminding children how to remain vigilant whilst walking home from school (especially pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 who have permission to do so) - walking with a friend, how to stay safe while playing outside and how to respond to potentially dangerous situations including stranger danger.”

This morning a spokesman for the school confirmed although the matter was resolved by police last night, officers were still in the area this morning.

They added: “This obviously strikes a concern for parents and teachers.

“But we are going to be hosting assemblies every day this week to support the children and promote vigilance.”