Parents on alert as schoolgirls are followed home by ‘suspicious’ man

Police are increasing patrols during school run times following the worrying incident, which happened in the Kings Road area of Berkhamsted on Wednesday at around 4pm.

The victims were aged 12 and 13 and attend secondary school in the town.

A Herts Police spokesman said: “The man did make some remarks to the children but at no point tried to grab any of them and no offences have occurred.

“It is understandable that incidents of this nature can cause concern in the community and officers are linking in with schools to make them aware of the suspicious incident.”

The man is described as Asian and was wearing a brown leather jacket, ripped blue jeans and headphones.

Police are urging people to remain vigilant and have issued the following safety advice:

>Stick to busy and well-lit areas.

>Avoid short cuts through quiet, unlit, secluded or wooded areas and alleyways.

>Try to keep with friends rather than walk alone.

>Don’t speak to strangers.

>Stay alert.

>Don’t use iPods or personal stereo headphones whilst walking or jogging because you may not be able to hear someone approaching.

>Make sure someone knows where you are going and tell them when you’ve arrived.

>If you believe someone is following you, go to the nearest busy place, such as a petrol station.

>Take a mobile phone with you if you have one.

Anyone who sees any suspicious activity can report it to police via the non-emergency number 101.