An e-fit has been released by police after a young girl was approached by a man in a quiet village.

The nine-year-old girl was walking along Sheerstone when she noticed a white van.

As she continued walking along the road and into Ferry Road, the vehicle stopped and the driver got out and offered the girl a lift. She declined and ran back home.

It happened between 4.30pm and 4.45pm on Thursday, April 23 but details have only just been released by officers.

The following day, at about the same time, the youngster was walking along Sheppey Way at the junction with Colson Drive when it’s believed she saw the same van pull out of Teal Way.

She wasn’t approached, but ran home.

The man is described as mixed race, aged between 25 and 35, about 6ft with short, shaven black hair. He was wearing a light grey hooded top with light grey fleece trousers.

Chief Inspector Tony Henley of Kent Police said:”While we are treating these reports as two isolated incidents, we are taking them very seriously and continue to carry out patrols in the area.

“It is important for people to be aware and to understand police are carrying out lines of enquiry and ensuring officers are in the area to provide reassurance where necessary.”

Iwade School, which is part of the Timu Academy, sent a message to parents last Tuesday making them aware of the incident. It was also sent to those who have children at Bobbing School as it is also part of the trust.

Executive head teacher Katrina Ware said: “It was one of our children and I know there has been stuff on Facebook about it and there’s been quite a worry about it obviously, but there are no other reports.

“We felt [sending a message out] that’s what we should do and most other schools do it.

“It was also sent [out to parents] by Bobbing as we have some children in Iwade who attend that school so we wanted their parents to be aware as well. We also have a number of children walking to and from both school unaccompanied.”

Anyone with any information is asked to call 01795 419080 quoting reference SI/XY/3690/15, or email 8627@kent.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Stories you might have missed

Man found lying in alleyway dies in hospital

Kent man loses three family members in Nepal disaster

Suspected drink driver crashes into wall

Man's body found in parkland