POLICE are reminding parents and children of 'stranger danger' following two reports of children being approached by strangers in cars.

A young girl was walking to school near Marlborough town centre on Thursday when a man in a blue saloon car pulled along-side and asked her if she wanted a lift.

She refused and he then drove on.

The driver is described as; white, in his late 30s, having short dark brown spikey hair and clean shaven.

Later on the same day, a blue car, which is believed to be a VW Passat, driven by a white male, was seen moving slowly along the A346 at Ogbourne Maizey; as the car went past, the driver appeared to be watching a young girl who had just got off a school bus.

The man was described as being in his 30s, with light hair. He was smoking.

Both girls are of secondary school age.

Sergeant Richard Barratt, of Marlborough Police Station, said: "No one has been injured and there has been no attempt to get the young people in the car.

"None the less, we want to remind children to stay safe and report anything suspicious to the police.

“Here is some advice for parents and children:

“Discuss the issues of strangers and their associated danger with your children. Parents must monitor their own fear and be careful not to alarm their children.

“Be aware of specific ploys used by strangers. Teach children not to help strangers look for lost puppies, accept gifts or sweets, or get in a car with someone they do not know - or even someone they do know, if the journey is not planned.

"After talking to children, it is important to ask them what they heard. This allows parents to correct misinformation and determine what needs to be reviewed or discussed differently.

”Make sure children know who, when, where and how to get help. For example, they should know their name, address and phone number; how to phone the police, who will pick them up from school each day and what after-school activities are planned.”

Police say that, so far, no offences have taken place and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information in relation to these incidents should call Wiltshire Police on 101 or alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111