FOLLOWING a flurry of recent reports regarding men acting inappropriately around schools the police have issued a statement reassuring parents.

There has been an uneasy feeling in the community as numerous reports claim men are acting strangely outside schools and around children.

Detective Inspector Ed Slough said: "We do not want to cause unnecessary alarm, and we are investigating these reports. In the meantime, we urge parents and carers to make sure their children are aware of personal safety, especially if they are approached by a stranger or a vehicle that is not known to them. I would like to reassure people that incidents such as this are rare, but we have an increased number of officers in the area who can answer any questions or address any concerns they may have.

“We are investigating the reports that have been made, and we want to encourage the community to be observant and report any suspicious activities to us as quickly as possible.”

A spokesman for West Mercia Police added: "We are asking people, particularly parents and carers, to be alert following a number of reports of a group of men in a silver/grey saloon vehicle approaching people in the Arboretum area of Worcester.

"Some incidents are reported to have happened whilst children have been walking home from school or in the early evening; or a vehicle has appeared to be driving slowly passed schools or children."

Safer Neighbourhood Officers have visited schools and have increased patrols in the area. Most recently officers were spotted at St Barnabas CE Primary School.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in their area is asked to either report online at WestMercia.Police.UK or by calling police on 101. You can also provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always dial 999 in an emergency, if a crime is in progress or you feel yourself or anyone else is at risk.