A schoolgirl was left shaken after a man tried to speak with her from his car.

The incident took place on Tuesday at around 8.50am as the 10-year-old walked in Manor Hall Road, Southwick, near to the junction with The Crescent.

A small dark car stopped next to her and the male driver tried to speak with the girl. However she did not reply and ran away.

He made no attempt to touch her and she ran straight to school and reported what happened. She was shaken by the incident but was not harmed.

The man is described as white, with a deep voice and an English accent wearing dark clothing and a hat.

Detective Inspector Rob Walker said: "Members of the local neighbourhood policing team are increasing patrols in the area, and will be talking to all local schools in the area to ensure children are reminded not to speak with strangers. This girl did exactly the right thing by reporting it straight away and we are urging parents to report any similar incidents or unusual behaviour immediately.

"Police are supporting the child and her family and are investigating the circumstances of the incident and would urge any witnesses, or anyone with information about this incident to contact police quoting serial 301 1/7."

A similar incident happened in Bognor on Sunday June 29, where a 10-year-old girl was in Servite Close, Bognor, when she was approached by a man who asked her to go with him.