AN investigation has been launched into claims that a ‘strange man’ approached a child outside a Nelson primary school.

A girl aged between seven and 11 reported being approached by the man as she walked close to Whitefield Infant School and Lomeshaye Junior School, in Norfolk Street.

The incident, which took place shortly after midday last Tuesday, was reported to a teacher and police were called.

Ethna Cummins, headteacher at Whitefield Infants, said: “Children’s safety and security is paramount at our school.

“I can confirm an unknown person approached a child outside our sister junior school next door, but she very sensibly came straight to school and reported it. Fortunately she was not harmed in any way.

“It is believed the same man then spoke to a parent outside our school gates.

“Both schools are now work-ing closely with the police and have sent a letter home to parents asking them to be extra vigilant, not only on the way to and from school, but at all times.”

The chairman of Whitefield ward Community Forum, Irfan Ahmed, is calling on police to step up patrols in the area to reassure parents.

He said: “I ask parents to be extra careful with their children and not allow them to travel to or from school by themselves.

“As a community we need to ensure the children are safe and I ask anyone who has any issues or believes they might have something suspicious to get in contact with the police.

A police spokesman said: “The incident has been reported to us and is being investigated.

"We urge parents and children to be vigilant.”