Pupils on alert as Cottingham school girl approached by a man in a van 'in suspicious circumstances'

The student, who attends Uppingham Community College (UCC), is reported to be safe but parents have been asked to speak to their children about how to keep safe when travelling to

and from school.

A spokeman for Northamptonshire Police said: "I can confirm this incident was reported to the force yesterday as suspicious circumstances.

"A girl was approached by a man driving a white van in Rockingham Road, Cottingham, at around 3.40pm yesterday, Tuesday, December 3.

"The man asked if she wanted a lift, at which point the girl then ran away from the vehicle."

One school in the area issued an alert to parents. It said: "We have been made aware that a man in a white van approached a UCC student in Cottingham on Tuesday at approximately

3.30pm and asked her if she would like a lift.

"The student in question is safe and the incident has been reported to the police.

"Please could you speak to your children about being safe whilst they are travelling to and from school."

Ben Solly, Principal at UCC said: "We were made aware of this incident this morning and we immediately sent out an email to parents to make them aware of the situation.

"Our staff have relayed the same message to students, reminding them to travel in groups and report any suspicious activity to their parents, the police and the school."

Anyone with information regarding the incident should call Northamptonshire Police on 101.