Two schools in Kingston have warned parents after children were approached by a strange man who offered them lifts in his car or van.

Rob Meakin, head teacher of Lovelace Primary School in Mansfield Road, Chessington, sent a letter to parents and carers yesterday saying children travelling to school had been “approached and offered lifts by an unknown male in a car/van”.

In the letter, he said: “The two incidents occurred in different areas of Kingston and there is no indication that the incidents are linked in any way.

“Both incidents were reported and are being investigated by the police.

“Now would be a sensible time to provide a general reminder to your child about safe travel to/from school, stranger awareness, and, in particular, that children should not get into vehicles with strangers.”

“Parents should be aware and vigilant at all times particularly in ensuring that children are safe on the journey to/from school/playing out etc, and report any suspicious activity to the local police team.”

Parents with children at The Holy Cross School in New Malden received the same email yesterday afternoon.

Merton police said they had received three reports of attempted abductions or suspicious behaviour in the Raynes Park area since June 7.

An Achieving for Children spokeswoman said: "This is an ongoing police matter and we are working with and supporting the police in their investigation." 

But a Kingston police spokesman said the force had received only one such report.

A spokesman said: "Kingston police are investigating one report of suspicious behaviour towards a child which occurred yesterday morning.

"It is alleged that a driver of a black car has attempted to speak to a young child while they were on their way to school.

"We are working closely with the local authority and have increased patrols around schools during peak times.

"We will provide updates to the investigation when possible."