Police are investigating a fourth report of a child being approached by a man near a school.

Officers are working to discover whether the cases are linked.

A letter circulated to parents at several Brighton and Hove schools warned them of incidents and told them to encourage their children to stay vigilant.

Now, two more reports have been made and Sussex Police are investigating to see whether they are linked.

The first letter to parents, shown to The Argus, told of an incident when a Year 8 pupil was approached on the south side of New Church Road near Aymer Road, Hove. 

The letter read: "She was approached by a man who repeatedly asked her to go with him, who said it was important that she go with him and said that she could trust him.

"The man was wearing torn clothes and a hat."

A further incident involving a Year 5 pupil at Hertford Junior School in Brighton has now been reported.

A letter from the school, shown to The Argus, said: “A Year 5 pupil was approached by a man who asked her if she was getting on the bus.

“She was waiting for her friend to walk with her to school. It was 8.20am, she was located at the bus stop by the Crestway. She replied to the man saying that she was not getting on the bus. He then circled around her for a period of time.

“He was wearing torn jeans and a cap.”

The school said the pupil is safe, but warned parents to give their children a message.

It said: “Please advise your children who walk to school independently that this has happened and if any further incidents occur, they should call 999 so that the police can react quickly to locate him. In addition, please encourage them to walk in a group for added safety."

The Argus: The Crestway in Brighton, where one of the reported incidents took placeThe Crestway in Brighton, where one of the reported incidents took place (Image: Google Maps)

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said the force is investigating several reports of a man acting suspiciously in Brighton and Hove.

Reports were received of schoolchildren being approached by a man in Dyke Road on Tuesday, January 10.

Similar incidents were reported in Montpelier Road on Wednesday, January 11, New Church Road on Monday, January 16. The Crestway incident was on Wednesday, January 18.

Chief Inspector Andy Saville said: “We understand these reports may be alarming to the local community and I would like to offer reassurance that a full investigation is under way to establish whether the incidents are linked.

“Enquiries are also ongoing to identify any suspects. People can expect to see increased high visibility patrols around the areas, particularly around school drop-off and pick-up times.

“We have also engaged with local schools to offer reassurance and advice.

“I encourage anybody who witnesses anything suspicious to report to police online or via 101, quoting Operation Guildford.”