Parents are being urged to warn their children after reports of a couple apparently trying to abduct youngsters.

There have been four incidents in Folkestone, Hythe and Ashford in which young girls, aged 11 to 13 years, have been followed or approached on their way home from school by the occupants of a white Transit van.

The driver is described as about 50 years old, with grey hair, glasses and a ruddy complexion.

His passenger is female, about 30, described as scruffy with reddy-coloured hair.

Both the woman and the driver have left the van to approach the children and on one occasion the woman was said to have been carrying a roll of tape.

The police are appealing for information about the vehicle, and are urging parents and schools to warn their children to be extra vigilant.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police on 01304 240055, or, if they witness such an incident, to dial 999.