A school has been put on high alert after a man with a mobile phone was spotted behind a playground fence.

Police were called to Northdown Primary School in Margate and parents were told to be “extra vigilant”.

Parents of children at the school commented on Facebook suggesting individuals had been going up to the fence and taking pictures of children while they played at lunchtime.

Head teacher James Kendall said: “The safeguarding of our pupils is our primary focus and we take it very seriously.

“Our processes and procedures were duly followed and passed to the police for investigation.”

A letter sent to parents by the primary school said: “There has been an incident outside the school fence at lunchtime today. No child or adult has been affected by this.

“We have informed the police regarding the incident and we are asking everybody to be extra vigilant at the moment.

“You may be aware that there have been a few incidents around east Kent recently involving a stranger, which has concerned staff at various schools.

“We are working closely with the police to ensure safety of your children at all times.”

Police spokesman Scarlet Jones said: “Police were called at 1.37pm on May 11 to a report of a man seen with a phone earlier in the day in Tenterden Way, Margate.

“No offences have been reported.

“Officers have visited the witnesses and provided safety advice, and details of the incident have been recorded. Inquiries are ongoing.”