PARENTS and children in a Hampshire community are being reminded about stranger danger after a schoolgirl was approached by a man near her home.

The 12-year-old girl was playing near her home in Horton Heath when a man drove up in his black car, wound the window down and started talking to her.

Officers have launched extra patrols in the area around Burnetts Lane in an attempt to try and get to the bottom of what is being treated as a “suspicious incident” as well as reassure residents in the area.

Safer Neighbourhood Teams have also been visiting local schools, including Wyvern College, to remind students about their personal safety and the importance of not talking to strangers.

House to house patrols have also been stepped up to gather information, as well as speaking to parents and children as they arrive and leave school, as investigations continue.

Police are keen to stress that no physical contact was made with the girl and there was no attempt to grab or touch her.

The worried youngster was able to run home quickly, telling her parents what happened, who reported it to the police.

A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

A spokesperson from Hampshire police said: “If anyone is concerned about the behaviour or a motorist or anyone acting suspiciously then they should contact the Safer Neighbourhood Team.

“We treat every report seriously and investigate it thoroughly, so if anyone is in doubt, they should call us.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Eastleigh police station on 101.