Parents have been warned to stay vigilant following reports of strangers approaching school children in St Albans and Harpenden.

A Harpenden pupil was approached yesterday after school in Luton Road between Penhurst Close and Ridgewood Drive.

The Wood End School pupil was approached by a male, who tapped her on the shoulder and asked where she lived.

The pupil ran away and arrived home safely.

On Monday night pupils were leaving an after school activity at Sandringham School, in The Ridgeway. when they were approached at around 7pm.

A man aged between 60 and 70 wearing a long cream coat followed a student and tried to start a conversation.

The student got away unharmed.

Fears have been raised in letters sent out by schools in the district.

In one email to parents, Wood End School wrote: "Please remind your children to be vigilant, and not to speak to strangers when walking home from school."