A photographer lurking in a popular park invited young boys to take part in a photoshoot after claiming to be on the lookout for up-and-coming models.

The snapper approached groups of teenage boys outside schools in Hove and offering to sign up boys in Hove Park.

Potential models were sought outside Blatchington Mill School in Nevill Avenue, Hove, and Hove Park School in Nevill Road, Hove.

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A police spokeswoman said: “Police were made aware on Monday evening of a woman had been approaching teenage boys outside Blatchington Mill School, Hove Park School and nearby Hove Park asking them to take part in a photo shoot.

“The local schools officers made enquiries and spoke to the woman, who was a genuine photographer.

“Advice was given to her about approaching the youngsters which she fully understood.”

One of the incidents took place in Hove Park when |four teenagers were approached by the photographer as they walked home from Blatchington Mill School on Monday afternoon September 23.

She explained to them she was looking to recruit models and asked the group to take part in a photoshoot which was taking place that evening.

The group told the young photographer they were not able to take part in the photoshoot and left, something that encouraged deputy headteacher Richard Chamberlain.

He said: “It would be something very flattering for a group of teenagers to be asked to be models, but for them to turn that down is really encouraging.

“It shows that the safeguarding message that |everyone in the city has been working relentlessly to |drum home is actually working.

“Our message to the students remains the same as it always has, to stay in groups where possible and not to go off with strangers.

“Hove Park actually informed us of the incident, and that shows their commitment to safeguarding.

“It makes for a much safer city when the schools are working in tandem and we are grateful to Hove Park for that.”

A Hove Park spokeswoman said: “We immediately informed the police who made contact with the lady in question.

“We regularly inform our students of the potential dangers of speaking to strangers.”