Parents have been put on alert today after reports a woman was touched by a man in Sittingbourne - minutes before four girls were also approached.

The incident allegedly happened in an alleyway between Capel Road and Roonagh Court, near two primary schools - Minterne juniors and The Oaks infants.

It is believed a man, who was dressed in black, approached the woman and touched her "inappropriately" at about 3.30pm on Tuesday.

Then about an hour later, four teenage girls walking down the same alleyway reported seeing a man wearing a black balaclava with his hands down his trousers.

Kent Police said he began to approach the youngsters, who ran away.

Following the complaints, a police spokesman confirmed officers will be stepping up patrols in the area.

The Oaks confirmed it had sent a text message to parents today warning them of the reported incidents following a tip-off from Minterne juniors.