Hertfordshire police are urging people to" act responsibly" to avoid rumours circulating on social networking sites, following reports of a suspicious incident near Sandringham School, which police said did not happen.

Neil Morehen, safer neighbourhood team inspector, said he was aware of a number of rumours, which could be "potentially damaging to an active investigation."

Officers were called a footpath between The Ridgeway and Malvern Close at around 8.30am yesterday morning after reports a pupil was approached by a man.

However Hertfordshire Constabulary said following an "extensive and thorough investigation" the incident "did not happen."

He said: "We are aware there were a number of rumours about the incident circulating on social networking sites.

"I would urge people to act responsibly when posting such comments as they can cause unnecessary alarm in the community and could be potentially damaging to an active investigation."