Parents and schoolchildren have been warned by police to stay vigilant after two separate alleged instances of children being approached by strangers on their way home from school.

Surrey Police sent safety advice to parents of Glyn School, in Epsom, after a Year 7 boy was reportedly offered a lift by an unknown man in a car on Wednesday, November 18.

The man allegedly told the boy that his mother had asked him to pick him up.

Police said: "The boy did exactly the right thing by refusing the offer, running off and reporting the incident to Surrey Police.

"Please remain vigilant when you are out and about.

"Don’t talk to strangers and always report any suspicious incidents immediately so we can take appropriate action."

That followed an alleged instance of suspicious behaviour outside the Beacon School, in Banstead on Monday, November 16, in which a man in a red Ford Transit van reportedly appeared to follow a boy to a car garage on the A217 after school.

In a letter to parents, the school said: "Once the man realised that the student was meeting an adult family member he sped off down the road.

"The police are aware and are investigating.

"Due to the serious nature of this matter, we feel it is vital that you are advised of any potential threat to your son/daughter’s safety."

Suspicious behaviour can be reported to police on 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.