A St Albans headteacher is urging children and parents to be "vigilant at all times" following the alleged attempted abduction of a school boy yesterday afternoon.

Lydon Evans’ comments come after a Wheatfields School pupil was approached by a man, who was on foot, who claimed he was there to collect the boy on his parents’ behalf.

The boy did not go with the man and returned to the school and the man walked away. The man did not say anything further to the boy, did not attempt to grab or touch the boy and did not attempt to follow him.

Mr Evans said: "Following an incident at the school yesterday we have reminded both parents and children to be vigilant at all times when the children are outside and to report anyone suspicious straight away.

"We have also reminded the children that they should never consider going with someone they do not know or are not expecting."

The man is described as white, aged 40 to 50, with short black hair. He was wearing a blue t-shirt and black Nike shorts. He didn’t have a local accent.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is currently investigating the incident and has increased its patrols around the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact St Albans Local Crime Unit via Hertfordshire Constabulary’s non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.