Children skiving off school will be targeted this month by the police and council.

In a previous truancy sweep in Croydon, 84 school-aged children were stopped during school hours with more than half having no valid reason for their absence.

According to Croydon Council, parents of those playing truant often condoned their missing lessons.

All young people seen in Croydon during school hours will be questioned even if they are with an adult. If necessary education welfare officers will take any truants back to school immediately, and monitor pupils' attendance afterwards.

Councillor Louisa Woodley, cabinet member for education, youth and lifelong learning, said: "Pupils need to understand that if they aren't in school they are seriously risking their chances of future success and they may well be unsafe and putting themselves at risk of harm.

"Parents should be aware that it is their responsibility to ensure their child attends school and we will pursue them through the courts if they continually condone unauthorised absence from school."