A letter has been sent to parents of children at a Thamesmead primary school, after an incident involving a strange man and a young child.

The incident happened yesterday (June 1) near Jubilee Primary School in Crowden Way at around 9.30am.

A letter written by head teacher Pam Davies said: "I am writing to inform you about an incident that has been brought to our attention, which took place by the garages in Crowden Way this morning.

"The parent of one of our pupils reported being approached by a stranger, who took the hand of her younger child and started to walk away. 

"When immidiately confronted by the parent, the man dropped the child's hand and said that he thought the child was lost.

"Police officers were called and have subsequently patrolled the area.

"While the child was not physcially harmed, and I do not wish to cause a panic, I consider it appropriate to make parents/carers aware of this, in order that we are all extra vigilant when travelling to and from school.

"It is recommended that all parents/carers remind their child of 'stranger danger' and how to keep themselves safe if they are out along."

This Is Local London:

The letter sent out to parents yesterday

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm that police in Bexley have received information related to an incident in Crowden Way, Thamesmead on June 1 at 9.30am.

"It is alleged that a man took the hand of a child, who was walking a few feet ahead of his mother.

"When confronted, the man in question stated he thought the child was lost and let go of his hand.

"Police conducted a local search but the man in question was not located.

"We do not believe this was an attempted abduction, however we understand that the community may be concerned by this allegation; we would remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us."

This Is Local London:

Jubilee Primary School in Crowden Way, Thamesmead 

Did you see what happened? Call the news desk on 01689 885 711 or e-mail patrickgg@london.newsquest.co.uk