A school has warned parents to be vigilant after a girl was approached by a stranger in his car.

The Stanway School in Colchester sent an email to other schools in the area and it has been circulated amongst parents.

It was concerning an incident which involved a Stanway School student on Thursday afternoon.

The youngster was walking home from the school which is in Winstree Road, Stanway, when she was approached by a man who was driving a Vauxhall Vectra car.

The message to parents said: “After school in Dyers Road, Stanway, one of our female students was approached by an Indian man in a silver Vectra car.

“He was aged between 50 and 60, and had a goatee beard.

“He asked her if she wanted a lift.

“Parents have informed the police.”

Staff at Stanway School confirmed they had been notified about the incident by a parent and had then passed the message on as a word of warning to other schools in the area.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Colchester police on 101.

Alternatively, information can be given via the Crimestoppers charity anonymously via 0800 555 111 or via the website at crimestoppers-uk.org.