A SCHOOL has stressed the importance of staying safe on the way to and from school after reports of pupils being followed.

Philip Morant School in Rembrandt Way sent an email to parents reminding them to urge children to be ‘vigilant and safe’.

Two schoolgirls at St Benedict’s Catholic College reported separate incidents to the police on Friday.

One girl noticed a large white van following her as she walked from Layer Road to Norman Way, in Shrub End.

A second girl reported a man on foot, wearing a suit and sunglasses, who appeared to be following her as she walked from the Kingsford Cross Road to Norman Way.

Essex Police visited the girls’ school to speak with them and offered both crime prevention and personal safety advice.

Mr Daniel Fox, vice principal at the school, said: “What we tend to do when we get reports like this come through, which is sadly more often than people think, is get the message out to tutors to share the message to remain vigilant with children before they go home, before sending out an email to parents telling them any information we know.”

Another parent, posting on CrimeWatch Colchester on Facebook, said her son was also chased.

She wrote: “Please everyone tell your children to be more vigilant when going and coming from school.

“My child was chased today in the wood near Philip Morant School by an odd man wearing a black suit and black sunglasses.

“He managed to run with his friends and told the school everything.

“Police are aware of the incident. Please be careful.”