CHULMLEIGH Academy Trust executive head teacher Michael Johnson has written to all parents and carers of pupils at the college alerting parents following recent reports of two incidents in Barnstaple where there have been unsuccessful attempts to get young people into a car or van.

He writes: “We have been given a description of a man, aged between 30-40 years old, dark hair (bald on top), ragged beard, wearing very dirty jeans and a striped jumper, smelly and unkempt.

“The man has been seen driving a silver Ford car and has also been seen driving a white Transit van.

“The police are aware of this incident.”

Mr Johnson adds: “In Chulmleigh, we had an incident seven years ago where a man of the same description attempted to pull students, on two separate occasions and outside school time, into a white van.

“We will, of course, continue to be vigilant here and I felt it important that you were also made aware so that you can be vigilant and discuss this with your child/children as appropriate.”

Alan Quick