There is no suggestion a man seen loitering around a town school has any sinister intentions towards children, says Kent police.

Canterbury Road primary sent a letter home with pupils on Thursday warning parents to be on their guard after he was seen acting suspiciously close to the grounds.

Other schools such as Baphild and Tonge, Murston nursery and infants and Lansdowne, were also notified of the incident.

Within the child safety note, the man is described at 5ft 10in, of slim build with very short cropped grey hair and with a scar or wound on his right eye.

He is said to be of Eastern European origin and speaks little or no English, of scruffy appearance and wears a black leather jacket.

It adds: “There is a possibility he may drive a Ford Mondeo or a silver/red bike.”

However, a Kent police spokesman said: “We are aware of reports of a suspicious man seen near school premises in School Road, Sittingbourne, on September 26.

“It is reported a man was seen looking at vehicles in the school car park and again retrieving his bicycle from the area.

“A man matching the description was spoken to on September 27 after he was seen in Terrace Road, Sittingbourne, and given words of advice regarding his behaviour.

“While no offences have been disclosed and there is no suggestion the man had any sinister intentions towards children at the school, Kent Police would always encourage members of the public to remain vigilant.

“We would also encourage parents to speak to their children to make sure they are aware of the potential risks associated with talking to strangers.

“If they are approached or have any concerns about people behaving suspiciously, they should report it immediately to their parents or schoolteachers who can then report it to police.”