A SCHOOL has issued a warning to parents after a student was approached by a man on her walk home.

East Bergholt High School sent an email to parents after a female pupil was spoken to by a man in his 40s under the bridge at Manningtree Station.

The student reported she was spoken to by the man and ignored him, then continued to walk home.

Chris Burns, acting headteacher, said: "We have been made aware of an incident whereby a female student has reported being approached by a male whilst walking under the bridge at Manningtree Station.

"The student acted sensibly and maturely and did not engage with the male.

"We are glad that she is safe and that the appropriate steps have been taken with the police being notified.

"The school takes the safety of its students very seriously, spending time with all year groups addressing personal safety, and recognises the importance of alerting parents and carers when such incidents are reported to us."

The man who approached the student was described as a bald white man in his 40s, well built and wearing a high-visibility jacket.

Essex Police have advised anyone who has a similar experience and is targeted by a man fitting the description should call the police and quote incident number 1250, May 10.