Parents are being put on alert as police investigate a 'suspicious incident' involving a stranger and a 12-year-old Portland schoolgirl.

A man, unknown to the girl, offered her a lift after school claiming he had been told to to pick her up by her mother.

The girl refused to get in and the man drove away.

It happened outside the Atlantic Academy at Southwell.

In response, police patrols have been stepped up and the academy says there will be an 'increased staff presence in the area after school', although leaders believe the incident to be 'isolated'.

Police said the incident happened in Sweet Hill Road, on Monday at around 3.20pm.

Dorset Police said: "It is reported that a 12-year-old girl had finished school at Atlantic Academy and was waiting in a lay-by to be picked up by her mother.

"A man drove up to her and claimed her mother had asked him to pick her up. The girl refused and stated she would wait for her mother. The man then drove away. There was no physical contact between the man and the girl."

Sergeant Andy Jenkins, of Weymouth and Portland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We take reports of such incidents very seriously and officers are making active enquiries in order to establish what happened and are due to speak to the girl in more detail.

“The local neighbourhood policing team will be providing high-visibility reassurance patrols over the next few days, particularly immediately before and after school.

“We would like to reassure the public that reports of these incidents are extremely rare, however it is very important that parents and children remain vigilant and report any suspicious incidents or vehicle registration details to police.”

In a statement, the academy said: "We were made aware of a possible incident on Monday after school. It was reported to us that car approached a student, and the driver offered a lift home to the student. The driver is believed to be unknown to the student. Following previous guidance and advice the student refused and the driver drove away.

"We informed the police immediately and they are continuing to carry out their investigations.

"Although we believe this to be a one off, isolated, incident we have increased staff presence in the area after school, as have the police.

"All parents have been informed and provided with a link to a suitable website for guidance about safety of children in public areas. We will also be providing reminder sessions about safety in public areas to students today during tutor time.

"As always the priority is for the safety of all of our students both in the Academy and in the community."

The academy has informed parents and carers of the incident in an email.

In the email, principal Jonathan Heap says: "May I reassure you that all appropriate action is taking place, although we believe this to be an isolated incident."