A secondary school has issued a warning after several youngsters were approached by someone in a white van, one of them was chased down the road.

Tonbridge Grammar School has sent a letter home to parents and students urging them to remain safe when travelling home.

On Friday, in Garden Road, Tunbridge Wells a Tunbridge Wells Girls' Grammar School pupil was approached by people in a white van, and was invited to get in.

She ignored them and managed to return home safely. She remembered part of the number plate and told police.

On Wednesday evening a 12-year-old male pupil from Hugh Christie Technology College in Cottage Road, Tonbridge got off his school bus and started to walk home down Oak Lane in Sevenoaks.

As he passed Kippington Road a man in a white van allegedly slammed on his brakes and is said to have chased the boy. The boy ran and got home safely.

A letter sent out by Tonbridge Grammar School said the man reportedly tried to grab the boy, but this has not been reported to police.

A spokesman confirmed no offences have been committed.

Police have advised that a similar incident occurred to another young boy on Tuesday in Riverhead.

Chris Fitt, assistant headteacher at Tonbridge Grammar School, is advising students to stick to well-lit ad busy areas particularly after dark and to avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.

In the letter to parents he said: "If possible avoid travelling alone – walk with a group of friends to and from the bus stops and station; consider arranging pick-ups and drop offs with friends or parents if you are travelling alone or booking a licensed taxi for your journeys if travelling after dark.

"Look and act confidently - look like you know where you are going, walk tall.

"If possible, spread your valuables around your person and be alert to what's going on around you. For example, don't use your phone while walking or listen to music through headphones.

"If you think you’re being followed, head towards a busy area or go into a shop and tell someone. If necessary, call the police."