HUNDREDS of parents have been put on alert after reports of a “suspicious incident” when a man approached a lost six-year-old boy.

Schools in the community where the incident happened have written to parents informing them of the incident and advising them to closely guard their children whilst on the school run.

The youngster was allegedly spoken to by a stranger in the Netley Abbey area when be became separated from his parents.

The incident comes just a week before thousands of children break up before the summer holidays and police are stepping up their investigations to piece together what happened.

They are trying to establish who the man was and are urging him - or anyone who saw the two of them together, to contact them.

Officers are also urging anyone who spots any suspicious activity in the area to immediately contact them.

The boy became separated from his parents when they were in the Sellwood Road area of Netley at 4.38pm on Saturday.

The family were reunited shortly afterwards when officers say the boy told them he had spoken to a man that he did not know.

The youngster was unharmed and was able to return home.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said it is being treated as a “suspicious incident” but that it was too early to determine what happened.

He said: “We are now taking statements and carrying out enquiries to establish exactly what happened and are working to identify the man involved so that officers can speak to him in due course.”

Officers are also working in partnership with Hampshire County Council and local schools to ensure people remain vigilant.

Bursledon Infant and Junior School is among those in the area sending pupils home with letters.

Headteacher Sian Smith wrote to parents that youngsters can only leave with adults on the school’s contact list or someone nominated by parents on the day and informed to staff.

She added: “As a sensible precaution, we also recommend that you keep your children close to you when travelling to and from school.

“We have talked to the children about the principles of Stranger Danger.”

If you have any information that could help with the investigation then contact Hampshire Police on 101.

Alternatively if you would like to give information anonymously and in confidence then call the Crimestoppers charity on 01800 555 111.