PARENTS have been warned to take care after a stranger approached a child outside a Hampshire primary school.

The incident happened in St Vigor Way on Thursday morning.

The child was on their way to Colden Common Primary School, in Upper Moors Road.

The school sent out an alert to parents on Thursday.

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It said: "We were alerted to an incident in which a man in a blue car pulled up beside a child walking to school and tried to offer the child a gift. The parent/carer, who was walking in front of the child, called the child way and the man drove off. The police have been notified."

The school also said that it has requested extra PCSO presence but urged all parents and carers to 'be vigilant'.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: "We received a report of a suspicious incident which took place near Colden Common Primary School on Thursday, March 10.

"It was reported to police that at around 8.25am, a car slowed down and the driver offered a child a pencil.

"The child was called away by a parent and the car subsequently drove off.

"Police have liaised with the school and patrolled the area.

"We continue to encourage anyone that witnesses suspicious behaviour to report this to police on 101. Dial 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is in danger." 

Winchester officers have been conducting patrols outside the primary school this morning.

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