A HEADTEACHER has warned families to remain vigilant after a man attempted to lure two children into his car.
Heathlands Primary School pupils were walking in New Church Road, West Bergholt, on Friday when they were approached by a man, it is understood.
It follows reports of a similar incident on the New Braiswick Park estate, Colchester, where another child was approached by a man “behaving suspiciously” on Thursday.
Essex Police has said it will increase the presence of officers at drop-off and collection times with both uniformed and plain clothed officers on the lookout.
Headteacher Joseph Fielder said he does not want to cause “a sense of panic or undue alarm” but has urged vigilance among families.
In a letter, seen by the Gazette, distributed on Friday, Mr Fielder said: “We wanted to make you aware of another situation that has happened near our school today.
“This morning, two children were approached by a man near St Mary’s Church who attempted to get one of the children into his car.
“The incident has been reported to the police who are now undertaking an investigation.
READ MORE >> Cheating dad lured his secret lover to Colchester car park and held him at knifepoint
“Due to the nature of this incident, we would encourage all families to be vigilant on their route to and from school.”
The headteacher added the school, which is rated good by Ofsted, will provide a visible presence of staff in New Church Road alongside the police where possible.
He said: “We do not wish to cause a sense of panic or undue alarm, however we do want to remind both our children and families about keeping safe when outside of school.”
The letter stated children will only be dismissed from the classroom to adults who have been given permission to collect them.
READ MORE >> Colchester thief stole four bottles of Jack Daniel's from city centre supermarket
Parents have been advised that anyone not on a permitted collection sheet will have to give the school, which has more than 400 pupils, notice before 2pm.
It adds: “Should we receive any further guidance from Essex Police we will, of course, update you with this.”
Got a story about crime in the local area?
Send our court and crime reporter a tip-off about crime in the area and we will report on it. Your identity will always be protected where requested.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel