Uppingham schoolboy approached by stranger in a car

Children have been warned about stranger danger after a boy was approached by a man while walking to school.

The youngster was walking to Uppingham CE Primary School yesterday morning (Tuesday) when the driver of a black car tried to start a conversation with him.

The child ran away and the incident was reported to the police.

Uppingham Community College issued a warning to its pupils and parents.

The letter said: “We have been alerted to an incident which occurred in Uppingham earlier today. A child was approached by a man in a black VW car on London Road, Uppingham, whilst walking to Uppingham CE Primary School. The adult attempted to engage the child in a conversation but the child ran away and reported the incident immediately. The incident has been reported to the police.

”Advice to students that walk to and from school is to try and avoid walking alone wherever possible and report anything suspicious they see.

”Thankfully these incidents are extremely rare but it is important for young people in Uppingham and the surrounding areas to be aware and extra vigilant.”

Officers from Leicestershire Police are investigating. A spokesman said: “Shortly before 9.30am yesterday (Tuesday, December 10) a report was received that a man in a parked car had spoken to a boy in Uppingham.

“The boy did not acknowledge the man and left the area. Enquiries to further establish the circumstances of what happened are continuing.”