TWO incidents of strangers approaching parents and pupils - within the space of 24 hours of each other - have led to a pair of Oldbury schools issuing warnings.

An Oldbury Academy schoolgirl reported being followed home by a white Mercedes Sprinter van on Tuesday, February 12 at around 3.30pm.

In a separate incident 24 hours earlier, a parent was approached by a man 'acting suspiciously' outside Rounds Green Primary School on Monday, February 11 at around 4.45pm.

Both schools issued statements on their websites about the incidents.

Gemma Tillotson, assistant headteacher at Oldbury Academy, on Pound Road, wrote: "A member of our school has reported being followed on her way home from school yesterday by a white Mercedes Sprinter van.

"She sensibly called a family member while she was walking so that they were aware and were able to come out of the home to meet her.

"This has been reported to the local authority and the police.

"We have advised all students to take the following precautions where possible: Walk in groups or pairs. Be vigilant to what is happening around them. Not to approach any unknown person or vehicle. To use their mobile to call 999 if they feel in danger. To return to school if they are still close by.

"Please take some time this evening to reinforce with your child how to stay safe on their way to and from school and whilst they are outside the family home."

Mrs Helen Heap, interim headteacher at Rounds Green, also urged parents and pupils to be vigilant after the incident outside her school.

She wrote: "Last night a parent was arriving to collect children from our after school club at approximately 4.45pm.

"A man acting suspiciously approached her, invading her personal space and asking her questions. The man was not known to the parent.

"Staff supported the parent and whilst we thought that the man had walked off, he was seen again by the same parent in the vicinity of school and on St James Road. The police were informed.

"The man was described as a black male, with a dark beard, aged approximately 30-35 years. He was about 5' 9'' tall and of slim build.

"He was wearing a green hat, green khaki jogging bottoms, a black coat and was carrying a black backpack.

"Please be vigilant when dropping off and collecting children and report any suspicious behaviour to school and also to the police."