Police have stepped up patrols in Faversham after almost a dozen reports of a stranger approaching schoolgirls.

Children as young as 10 have been approached by the man, who has asked some of the girls for a kiss and a hug.

It can be revealed today that police have received a total of 11 reports, half of which they are linking.

As a result, police patrols in the town have increased at certain times and places as police hunt the culprit.

Insp Gavin Wade, from Kent Police, said: "Since April 10 we have had a number of reports, a total of 11, regarding a suspicious male in the Faversham area approaching young girls.

"The reports have all been investigated and we are actually looking at either four of five incidents currently."

The last incident was reported to police on Thursday, May 23. Children from 11-years-old to 13 have been approached by the man.

One of those approached was terrified Grace Smith, 11, who managed to flee to safety after a mixed race man begged for a kiss and urged her to come home with him.

Abbey School pupil Grace had only just got to Faversham rail bridge when a man walking from the Makenade Avenue direction came up to her and demanded a kiss.

Scared Grace carried on walking, but he then asked her to come to his house. She said no but he ran towards her.

Grace was near the flight of steps that lead to Faversham cemetery and the Love Lane estate and she yelled at three teenagers playing football before the man ran off.

But Insp Wade has stressed the force are doing all they can to find the man behind the incidents, adding: "While there are no actual offences at this time I want to reassure parents we are taking it seriously.

"We have put measures in place like heightening patrols at key times and key locations."

Police have also confirmed they are still looking at CCTV in attempts to find the man behind the incidents.