PARENTS have been warned after a “suspicious” man was spotted by pupils near a school.

The man was spotted hiding in bushes and appeared to be taking videos and photographs near The Crescent Primary School in Eastleigh.

Now headteacher Sarah Ahmed has sent a letter to parents warning them of the incident and police has stepped up patrols in the area.

It stated that two pupils saw the man hiding in the Causton Gardens area after school on Friday.

The same man had also been seen by pupils a few days before and appeared to be “acting suspiciously in the bushes”.

According to the letter, pupils went straight home when they spotted the man.

Following the incident, a councillor has given a word of warning to parents.

Cllr Paul Bicknell for Eastleigh South said: “I’m pleased that police are stepping up patrols and hope that they continue to do so. The most important thing is that parents are vigilant and that if they do see anything, they get a good description and report it to police online or by calling 101.

“The other important thing is to not put them or their children in danger.”

The primary school has spoken with children to follow a safety message, which advises don’t talk to the stranger; alert other people nearby; shout as loud as you can; and seek help from trusted adults.

A police spokesman said: “We received a report on October 7 regarding a suspicious man seen near The Crescent School in Eastleigh on October 2 and on October 4.

“On both occasions, a pupil saw a man standing on Causton Gardens at the back of the school. The man has been described as white, aged between 40 and 50-years-old and was wearing a black puffer jacket.

“Officers in Eastleigh Neighbourhood Policing Team have increased patrols in the local area around school finishing time.

“We would urge anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously to call 101.”