A PRIMARY school has issued a warning to parents after a man offered sweets to a child outside the school gates.

Police said the boy was approached by the man outside Higham Saint John’s Church of England Primary School in Higham Hall Road.

The man allegedly asked the youngster if we would like some sweets in the back of his small white van.

Officers said the child refused and said no, before running away and reporting the matter to police at around 3.35pm on Friday.

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Now the school have sent text messages out to parents asking them to be vigilant, as well as holding an assembly on Monday offering advice about ‘stranger danger’.

Headteacher Gareth Hollinghurst said: “The boy’s mum came back after school that afternoon to tell us what happened.

“In light of this, we’ve sent text messages out to every parents informing them what’s happened and asking them be aware.

“We’ve also held a school assembly offering advice about our stranger danger procedures and what they should be doing if approached by someone.

“We would do this periodically anyway as part of our PSHE classes.

“Our advise is if you don’t know them, don’t talk to them or accept anything from them like sweets or a kitten.

“The child in question was absolutely right to do what he did and fortunately this has resulted in a positive outcome.”

Police are now appealing for information to find the man.

The man was described as white, aged roughly in his late 30s, was bald with a ginger beard and wearing a blue T-shirt.

Burnley and Padiham Police said on Facebook:“Please be aware of a recent report outside Higham Primary School whereby a man in a white van has asked a child if he would like some sweets in the back of his small white van.

“This child did exactly the right thing by saying no, running away and reporting this. Call 101 if you see anything suspicious."