POLICE are investigating after a number of 'suspicious' incidents involving men approaching children.

Officers say they are taking the reports from members of the public seriously and want to quickly identify any suspect and ensure public safety.

The first report occurred on Thursday, May 2 when an 11-year-old boy was walking along Mays Lane towards St. Mary’s Road, Fareham, between 4pm and 4.30pm.

A man he did not know, who was driving a white van, stopped and asked if the boy wanted a lift. The boy turned down the offer, and the motorist drove away.

The boy was not threatened and there was no physical contact between them.

Police say that there is no evidence of a criminal motive or offence and are open to the possibiloty that there may be an innocent explanation.

The second report occurred on Tuesday, May 7, when a nine-year-old girl has said that she was approached by two men in Finisterre Close, Hillhead. The girl was not harmed.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who saw a young girl walking in pink checked pyjamas trousers and a dark coloured top in the Stubbington area between 8.30pm and 9pm  that day to contact them.

Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Gary Hill said: “We are urging anyone who may have seen a girl matching that description to please come forward.

"We would also like to speak to a woman who was walking a Dalmatian dog in the area of Seafield Park about that time.”

Specialist police officers are speaking with the children to establish more details, and provide support to them and their families.

Officers and PCSOs from dedicated local Safer Neighbourhoods teams are visiting schools in the area to reassure local communities speak with parents, children and teachers, and provide information and advice.

Fareham and Gosport District commander Chief Inspector Darren O'Callaghan said: "Police are in the early stages of enquiries, and there is no evidence at the moment to confirm a link between these reports or any other events."

"I would like to thank members of the public for reporting this information to the police promptly. While the exact circumstances are investigated, police are asking the public to remain alert, but not alarmed; advising parents and schools to remind their children of the stranger danger message, and to report any incidents to us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact CID at Fareham Police Station by phoning 101. Mini-com users can phone 01962 875000. Alternatively, call the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111 if you wish to remain anonymous.