POLICE are conducting patrols in the area of King Charles I School in Kidderminster after a man was seen photographing a student on her walk to school.

The unknown man, who was wearing a black puffer jacket with his hood up, was reported to have taken photographs of the schoolgirl as she walked to school on Monday morning.

In a letter sent to parents, deputy headteacher Chris Gibson wrote: "I would like to draw your attention to an incident which occurred whilst a student was walking to school on Monday, October 19.

"It was reported that at approximately 8am, as she approached the crossroads of Comberton Road and Chester Road South, she has seen a white male described as in his late 30s, around 5ft 6 inches tall, wearing a black puffer jacket with his hood up and jeans.

"He is reported to have taken photographs/videoed the student.

"The incident has been reported to police. We have been told that there will be a greater police presence in the area.

"We will be speaking to all students on both sites in the morning and we will continue to remind them of the importance of (wherever possible) walking to and from school in groups of at least three students, keeping to main roads and not alleyway, if they are concerned or see anything suspicious, walk away and call 999 straight away.""

Inspector Lee Page, of West Mercia Police, said: “We received a report of a person who was suspected of taking a photograph of a parent and their child while walking to school.

“The area was searched by officers and the school has issued advice to parents and children to remain vigilant against any suspicious activity.

“We will always thoroughly investigate reports such as this and we continue to provide high profile reassurance patrols throughout the area.”