Parents told to be vigilant after schoolboy approached by 'man in a black car'

A warning has been issued to parents after a strange man asked a boy to get in his car.

The incident took place in Loftus on Monday morning as the boy made his way to Hummersea Primary School, on Westfield Way. The school said the incident has been reported to police and asked parents to be "vigilant" and talk to their children about the dangers of strangers approaching them.

In a letter from headteacher Claire Grainger, she asked parents with concerns to contact police, she said: "It has been brought to our attention that a school aged child was approached by someone in a car as they walked to school this morning and asked if they wanted a lift. The incident has been reported to police.

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"Please could you be vigilant with your child walking to and from school and speak to them about the dangers of strangers approaching them and what to do. If you do have any concerns, these should be reported to the police as soon as possible."

Cleveland Police are appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward, a spokesperson said: "At 8.30am on Tuesday, May 14, police were called to reports of a man in a black car approaching a student walking on Liverton Road in Loftus.

"The man asked the student to get inside the vehicle, he refused and continued to walk away. The boy then informed a member of staff at the nearby school who reported it to police. The vehicle drove away. Officers have been conducting numerous enquires and patrolling the area as well as providing safeguarding advice to pupils."

Anyone who is approached by the man, has information relating to his identity or witnessed it take place is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 089263.