A WARNING has been issued for children to stay alert after a young school girl was grabbed by a man.

The 11-year-old was cycling down a pathway on her way to Bishop Fox's School in Taunton when she was approached by a man who tried to grab her arm.

She informed the school and in response a letter was sent to parents reminding them to be vigilant. 

Paul Scutt, headteacher, said: "We don't want people to be alarmed. 

"We issued a letter about the incident telling parents and our students to be vigilant.

"We don't want anyone living in fear, but we were uncomfortable about the incident when the girl reported it to us."

Nearby, Holy Trinity Primary School, also alerted parents after the incident.

Avon and Somerset Police have been made aware and are now investigating.

PC Withecombe said: “We have received a report that an 11-year-old student was grabbed on the arm as they cycled to school.

"We are currently speaking to the school and are investigating the incident.”

Click here to find advice on keeping children safe at school.