A WARNING has been issued to parents to be vigilant after two reports of men allegedly trying to lure schoolgirls as young as 11 to them.

In a Facebook post, shared to parents, a worried dad relayed how two men followed his friend’s daughter, aged 11, and her friends most of the way home to Unity Fields in Greenstead, Colchester.

The two men were said to be calling out to the group of schoolchildren, beckoning for them to ‘Come see them in Greenstead’.

The post said the two men eventually ran off after a man called out to them, challenging them.

A spokesman for Unity Primary Academy yesterday confirmed that they had been made aware of the incident, which happened on Tuesday and had let parents know so they could be vigilant.

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Headteacher Pieter Labuschagne said: “A parent had said there was a person on the field that was seemingly taking photos of all children, not just children of our school.

“I do believe this member of the public has contacted other neighbouring schools, as not just Unity accesses this field.

“There is significant traffic in the park by the community.

“If we deem any risk to pupils, we inform parents, as per our standard procedure, so they can be vigilant and safeguard their children outside of school grounds.”

Essex Police also confirmed officers had received a call about another incident of two men acting suspiciously on a field in the Greenstead area.

A spokesman said: “We received a call shortly before 8pm on Monday, May 23, with reports of two men who were seen acting suspiciously on a field in the Greenstead area.

“Officers did meet and speak with the caller, however, no offences were disclosed and no crimes confirmed.”

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.