A warning has been issued to parents after a schoolboy was approached by a stranger in a van and told to get into the vehicle.

In an email, Richard Morgan, senior deputy headteacher of Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs, said police have been made aware of the incident and pupils are being told to be vigilant.

"I am writing to inform you that last evening on the way home from school, a student was approached to get into a white van. He did not," he wrote.

"Please speak with your children about this and ensure they are cautious and aware when walking to and from school."

A police spokesman confirmed officers were called at 4.22pm to a report a driver of a van spoke with a boy in Broadstairs Road in Broadstairs.

"No physical contact was made and the boy has not reported being threatened," he said.

"Initial enquiries to establish the full circumstances are underway."

Anyone who has information is asked to call police on 01843 222289, quoting 46/227254/19, or the anonymous Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555111 or by completing an online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

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