POLICE have issued an urgent warning to parents and schools following a series of attempted abductions in Bournemouth.

They fear children could be at risk unless they are on their guard, particularly on their way home from school.

On Thursday a man attempted to entice a young girl into a car near Elmrise School in Holloway Avenue, Kinson.

He told the 12-year-old that her mother had sent him to pick her up from school.

But the youngster did not believe the man and made off from the car.

Around 10 minutes later an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man in a "sporty" car in Palmerston Road, Boscombe.

The girl was invited to get into the vehicle but she ran home and reported the incident to her mother.

She described the man as white, in his early 30s, with brown, gelled hair and of medium build.

Detectives are also investigating an incident involving a 12-year-old Glenmoor School pupil on Tuesday, May 8.

She became frightened after being followed by a man in a car just before 4pm.

A 14-year-old also reported being approached by a man in a car on Thursday evening in Pine Road, Winton.

"We are very concerned that we have had these reports and they are now being thoroughly investigated," said Detective Sergeant Tony Cox of Bournemouth CID.

"We want young people and parents to be aware that these incidents have been reported to us and to take appropriate action."

Police have notified all schools in the affected areas in the hope that warnings will be passed on to pupils.

"We do not want to frighten the children but we will ensure they are warned," said a spokesman for Elmrise Primary School.

DS Cox appealed for anyone with information to come forward. Bournemouth CID can be contacted on 01202 552099 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line is 0800 555 111.