by Hayley Robinson

Parents are being warned to be on their guard following reports of a man acting suspiciously close to a town school.

The Asian man, who drives a silver Mercedes, has apparently been trying to entice youngsters into his car outside Tesco Express, Chalkwell Road, Sittingbourne.

The mother of a young girl contacted police after her daughter was spoken to by the man as she walked her dog along the road on the evening of July 9.

It is understood he said something along the lines of: "What are you doing out on your own, do you want to get in the car?"

She didn’t respond and reported it to her parents as soon as she returned home.

Westlands Primary School head teacher Lynne Pearson sent a text message to parents the following day after she was made aware of the incident.

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately, the girl did exactly the right thing and reported the incident to a parent. While the chances of coming to harm are very low, it is worth reminding children what they have learned at school if they are approached by strangers.

"They should never accept gifts or sweets from a stranger, get in a car with a stranger, go anywhere with a stranger, go off on their own without telling their parents or a trusted adult.

"Before you go out make sure your parents or guardians know where you will be and tell them which route you will take to get there and back. If you’re out playing on your own make your way home before it gets dark and stay in well-lit areas where people can see you."