A strange man in a silver van who pulled up alongside a schoolgirl is being hunted by police.

The 12-year-old was walking along Old Bridge Road, Whitstable, when the left-hand drive vehicle pulled up next to her.

The man - who was not known to the girl - struck up a conversation before driving off.

He was white with dark brown hair that was short at the sides and messy on top.

He was in his 40s, muscular, had stubble and spoke with what is described as an Essex-type accent.

The van's registration ended with the letters MOT.

DC Brigitte Collard said: "l want to assure everyone we take reports of this nature very seriously and this appeal is one of a number of inquiries we are carrying out to trace the vehicle and its driver."

The incident took place between 4.10pm and 4.20pm on Wednesday, March 23.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 01843 222289 quoting ZY/009507/16.