SCHOOLS in Chippenham have put children and parents on alert after three reports that a man tried to lure schoolgirls into his van.

Police patrols have been increased following the three separate incidents, which took place in Brook Street, Queens Crescent and Ashfield Road last week.

All three secondary schools in the town, Hardenhuish, Sheldon and Abbeyfield, have advised students to travel home in groups if possible and to let family or friends know where they are.

Headteacher at Sheldon, Neil Spurdell, said: “We have reinforced messages about pupils keeping themselves safe and, where possible, are encouraging pupils to go home with friends.”

Headteacher at Abbeyfield, Ian Tucker, said: “We have made both pupils and parents aware of all serious incidents that we become aware of and we support them in making sure they are not worried but know exactly what to do and who to tell if they have concerns.”

Headteacher at Hardenhuish, Lisa Percy, said: “We’ve alerted all of our parents via email and we’ve taken the opportunity to remind our young people of the things they can do to keep themselves safe.”

The first incident happened at 8am last Wednesday, when a young girl walking along Ashfield Road was approached by a man in a van who gestured for her to come over.

The man was described as being white, in his 60s and with wavy grey hair.

At 3.30pm on the same day, a 12-year-old girl was walking down Queens Crescent onto Hungerdown Lane when a van drove past her slowly, turned down a side road and then reappeared to drive past her again.

The van was described as old, small and white with no markings or signage and the driver was white.

The third incident happened on Friday at 8am when a 15-year-old girl walking along Brook Street was stopped by a man in a van who asked if she wanted a lift to school.

The girl said no before running to a friend’s house. The man was described as white, with a beard and aged in his 40s.

PCSO Sarah Moth said: “We are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.

“We have increased visible patrols in these areas, in particular at the start and end of the school day.

“If you are approached by anyone suspicious while out and about, please do not engage with them and call police immediately – call 999 at the time, or 101 after the incident.

“If possible, try and get a description of the driver or the vehicle.”