Parents are being urged to remind children of ‘stranger danger’ after reports of Shefford and Clifton schoolchildren being approached by a man driving a blue BMW.

A white male in a blue BMW approached Robert Bloomfield Middle School and Samuel Whitbread Academy students on Tuesday, October 4, with a separate report on Sunday confirming a car matching the same description stopped near to two children on Shefford Road in Clifton at about 1.15pm.

This follows on from similar reports in mid-September of several reports of pupils being approached around the area. In a message sent to parents from Henlow CofE Academy and Samuel Whitbread Academy seen by the Comet, the schools said: “In light of some recent reported incidents in the area we’d like to clarify our stance to alleviate parental concerns about pupil safety.

“We’ve made students aware of ‘stranger danger’ and what they need to do to keep themselves safe in the community.

“Incidents of this nature are extremely rare therefore our intention is not to raise concern but to ensure pupils, staff and parents safeguarding our pupils is always our first priority.

“Pupils have been spoken to by staff about being more aware of the environment around them as well as walking as part of a group to and from school.”

A Beds police spokesman said: “Enquiries are on-going.”

Richard Denton, children and young people development officer and school coordinator for Beds Police added: “For the vast majority of pupils the journey to and from school is safe and uneventful. But occasionally we do receive reports of children being approached by strangers.

“We’d encourage parents to discuss personal safety with their children and make sure they understand the importance of not speaking to strangers.

“Simple advice to follow includes sticking to busy, well-lit streets, and be alert – don’t wear headphones.”