POLICE have launched an investigation after two suspicious incidents involving children being approached when walking to and from school.

The first incident happened on Monday, February 13, when two girls aged 11 and 12 were walking home from Cantell School via Daisy Dip between 2.30pm and 3.15pm.

The girls saw a "suspicious-looking" man in Daisy Dip with a push bike and the 11-year-old was later approached by a man in a blue car on Copperfield Road.

The girl, who described the man as being white and in his 30s, believes it was the same man who was on the bike.

A school statement said: "We would advise all parents and children to be vigilant on their journey to and from school.  "Please contact us if you have any concerns."

Another incident happenend yesterday morning  when a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man in a small blue van on Laburnham Road on her way to Bassett Green School.

The girl ignored the man and reported the incident to a teacher.

The man is described as being white, in his 30s, and had dark brown hair, brown eyes, and stubble on his top lip.

He was wearing a green NYC baseball cap.

Acting Police Sergeant Gail Salley from the Southampton North Neighbourhood Team said: “We would like to ask children and parents alike to remain vigilant and aware of personal safety.

"Remind children of stranger danger, try to arrange to walk to school with them or with friends, and stick together.

"Report any suspicious people or incidents to police via 101 or 999 or a trusted adult.

“Officers from the Southampton North Neighbourhood Team have been and will be visible at both schools and the surrounding areas to ensure children feel safe.

“More often than not, these incidents turn out to have innocent explanations, however we would like to reassure the community that we take these reports seriously and that they are being thoroughly investigated.”

Anyone who witnessed either incident is asked to call police on 101 and quote 44170056743.