Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts said: “I want to update the public with regards to our actions into a number of recent suspicious incidents reported on the borough and reassure parents and the wider community about what we are doing to investigate these incidents and to keep their children safe.

“Since we received an initial reported incident in Kenley on Monday 10 May, there have been a few other reports of suspicious incidents to the Metropolitan and Surrey Police.

“At this stage, descriptions of people involved vary, as do the type of vehicle and the nature of approaches made. However, rest assured that although we are not linking our investigations to Surrey’s at this time, we will continue to work together to ensure each incident is fully investigated and to explore any possible links should they be established.

“We acknowledge media reports and messages regarding Asian males being involved in some of these incidents. However, we ask the public to keep an open mind, given that we have received varying descriptions and we are alive to the impact that media reports and word of mouth could have on these sightings.

“I want to reassure you that my CID officers are investigating the full circumstances of all the incidents reported to us, and we will look to release further information when appropriate. I continue to task my officers to carry out extra patrols on the borough and we continue to offer our help with educating children and parents about child safety.

I ask parents to remain vigilant around this issue and I would appeal for people to contact police if they see anybody or anything suspicious by calling 999.”