A child being followed on his way into school has prompted a warning from police for parents to advise their children about being approached by strangers.

A Year 5 pupil of Sauncey Wood Primary School in Pickford Hill, Batford, was reportedly followed by a young man in a black VW Golf as he walked into the school’s breakfast club at around 7.40am.

An email sent round to parents and carers by head teacher John Burt, stated the boy was followed up the hill by a man he did not recognise and as he rounded the corner into the school’s car park, the man wound down the window and said hello to him.

A spokeswoman from Herts Police confirmed the boy then ran into the school.

He was unharmed and the driver did not get out of the car to approach the boy.

DI Pete Frost confirmed officers were currently investigating the incident, which they believed to be a one-off.

He said: “I appreciate that incidents of this nature are understandably quite concerning.

“I would like to reassure the public that we take all reported incidents very seriously and would always urge members of the public to call us immediately should they see anyone or anything unusual or suspicious near a school.

“Parents should also take this opportunity to advise their children about what to do should they be approached by a stranger.”

Extra patrols will be carried out in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.