WORRIED parents in Heysham have called in the police after a stranger tried to convert young children to a fire and brimstone brand of Christianity.

The unorthodox preacher lectured the children on heaven and hell, handed out bibles and wrote on their hands as they made their way home from school.

The man has committed no offence but the headteacher at the school has been alerted. The police have confirmed that they are making enquiries and have interviewed a man.

The anxious mother of a seven and nine-year-old who were approached by the stranger said: "I called the police after my children came home with a bible and were asking strange questions about heaven and hell. They said they had met a man who had told them they were special and could visit his house. He also told them that if they were naughty they would go to hell where they would have to sit on a chair and be hit with a cane if they moved.

"My children know all about not talking to strangers but he had befriended them. It's really worrying that he's saying all this stuff to young children who don't know any better."

Mossgate Primary School's headteacher, Chris Lawler, said they were always concerned for the safety of the children and had warned their pupils about the potential dangers of talking to strangers.

She said: "We acted on this as soon as we knew about it. We've told pupils to steer clear of any strangers and if they are approached to run home or back to school, wherever is nearest."

A police spokesman said: "We are making enquiries in relation to an individual regarding this matter."

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