PARENTS and schools across the county were a false warning that children have been targeted on social media by members of Islamic State (IS).

A Hampshire police officer posted an online alert which stated children at schools in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight had had social media requests from people believed to be IS members.

However police have now backtracked and admitted it was "probably" not IS members contacting children.

The force also admitted that only students from one school were "targeted" rather than the "educational establishments" mentioned in the original alert.

Police refused to comment on whether an internal investigation had been launched into the incident, but said officers were following up concerns raised by students.

Hampshire police inspector David Knowles said: “Last week information was received from students at a Hampshire secondary school, that adult male supporters of IS had contacted a number of students via Facebook.

“Over the weekend a Hampshire Alert message was sent to many schools, in order to alert staff and parents of the dangers of internet and social media use, particularly given the recent tragic events in France.

“Inquiries with the Hampshire students who initially reported this matter have since revealed that the male adults who made contact on Facebook are probably not IS members.”

“However the advice to schools, parents and teachers to be aware of social media and internet dangers still stand.”

John Apter, chairman of Hampshire Police Federation, which represents the force's rank and file, said the alert was probably from a "well meaning" police officer who intended to protect the public - but added there may be lessons to learn.

He said: "The climate at the moment is one of apprehension and fear and with the terrorism threat level being so high this is probably done by a well meaning police officer thinking they are doing the right thing.

"Because the mood across the country is that we are in a high state of alert, I am not surprised this has gone viral. I am sure that if there are lessons to be learnt they will be."

It comes little more than week after the deadly attacks in Paris that killed more than 130 people – and the threat of terrorism in the country is currently listed as “severe” according to MI5.

Only last week two Hampshire brothers were jailed for six years after being found guilty of preparing terrorist acts.

Tuhin Shahensha, 27, and Mustakim Jaman, 23, both of Portsmouth, were convicted at Kingston Crown Court for assisting others and allowing their bank accounts to be used to transfer money for terrorist purposes.