Parents claim a woman attempted to lure their children into a car with the promise of driving lessons.

Concerned parents contacted the police after a woman in a blue BMW was seen acting suspiciously in Sycamore Drive in Burgess Hill on May 3.

Inspector Paul Tomlinson said: “We do not know what the woman’s motive was in talking to the children.

“The incident may be innocent but we are treating this as a suspicious act as a precaution.

“There is nothing to suggest this is anything other than an isolated incident and we do not want to alarm parents but would urge them to take sensible precautions when young children are playing outside.

“It is a timely reminder of the importance of youngsters being warned not to speak to or go anywhere with strangers, even if they seem friendly.”

Anyone who has any information about this incident should call 101, quoting serial 1000 of 6/5, or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.