Police patrols are being stepped up after two reports of a man approaching young girls in Tunbridge Wells.

Detectives are liaising with schools and investigating if the suspicious incidents this week are linked.

In both cases, a man is said to have approached a young girl and tried to talk to her - before fleeing when they asked him to leave them alone.

Officers have been on extra patrols around schools in the area in a bid to deter any other incidents.

The local schools liaison officer has also been in contact with teachers.

"We are highlighting these incidents to make sure that parents speak to their children around the importance of not talking to strangers, and reporting any suspicious behaviour..." - Ch Insp Dave Pate

Borough Commander Ch Insp Dave Pate said: "In each case, the girls did exactly the right thing; they told the man to leave them alone and reported it to their parents who in turn called us.

"No one has been harmed in any way, but we are highlighting these incidents to make sure that parents speak to their children around the importance of not talking to strangers, and reporting any suspicious behaviour.

"We are working to identify the man involved so we can speak to him and will keep parents updated."

He advised people to report suspicious behaviour to Kent Police on 101 or to phone 999 if it is an emergency.

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