THE mum of an Andover schoolgirl followed home by a stranger this week is pleading with fellow parents to warn their children they must be vigilant.

The 13-year-old Harrow Way pupil, who has asked not to be named, was on her way home from a friend's house on Monday at around 4.15pm when she noticed a man behind her, as she passed Andover Railway Station, walking along Millway Road.

The man followed the girl for nearly half a mile until she reached her Marchant Road home.

He remained standing inside the driveway of the girl's home while she locked the door and phoned her mum. Her concerned mother said: "My daughter was in a right state.

"I'd like to make other parents aware of what's happening." Described as being in his early 20's and of slim build, the man was about 6ft tall with short blond hair and blue eyes, and was wearing cream trousers and a pale green fleece.

The girl also noticed he was smoking a cigarette.

Andover police spokesman Sgt Nick Rand said the incident was being treated as a one-off but asked anyone who saw anything suspicious to contact Andover Police Station or call 0845 045 45 45 and ask for Andover.