DETECTIVES are appealing for help in catching a man who tried to entice a boy with sweets.
Parents are warned by police to be extra careful about strangers acting suspiciously near schools and play areas.
The eight-year-old boy was approached by a man wearing a hat and offered chocolate as he walked across a recreation ground at the rear of Hook-with-Warsash School.
When the boy refused the offering and walked towards the school gate the man became abusive.
The boy walked into class and told his teacher, who alerted police.
The incident happened on Monday between 8.30am and 9am. The man is described as white, with grey hair, aged about 40, who wore a hat and dark trousers.
Det Con Simon Morris, of Park Gate police, said: "We are treating this very seriously and want to warn parents to be vigilant.
"We also want to hear from anyone who was in the area of the school on Monday morning who may be able to help us.''
Park Gate CID can be contacted on 0845 0454545.
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