PARENTS have been warned to be on their guard after a stranger tried to lure a 12-year-old schoolboy into his car.

The boy was walking along Fox Way, in Hove, on his way to school when the car stopped and the man asked him to get in.

The pupil ran off towards Hove Park School’s Valley Campus where he reported the incident shortly after 8.20am on Tuesday.

The suspect is described as black, in his 30s and driving a black car, either a Peugeot or Rover.

The school, which educates 11 to 14-year-olds at Hangleton Way, said the suspicious man had approached more than one of the Valley Campus’ student.

Head of school Austen Hindman sent a message to parents and carers warning them about the incident.

He said: “A communication was sent home to parents and carers on Tuesday in response to concern raised by a parent of one of our students.

“Parents have been made aware of these concerns.”

Sergeant Daren Egan said: “We have spoken to the boy, who did exactly the right thing by reporting it to school staff straight away.

“The man made no attempt to touch him and did not follow him.

“He has described him as a black man and in his 30s. If anyone was driving along Fox Way at that time and saw what happened, please get in touch with us.

“Local PCSOs were in the area at the end of the school day on Tuesday and again on Wednesday morning.

“We are working closely with the school through our school liaison officer, to offer reassurance and listen to any concerns.”

A parent, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s obviously really worrying if there’s a weirdo hanging around outside the school.

“You’ve got no idea what it’s about – sex, drugs or whatever.”

Any witnesses are asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101 quoting serial 239 of 21/10.