A schoolboy was followed by a stranger who tried to get him into a van.

The 11-year-old Patcham High School pupil was followed by a man in a small white van as he walked home along Mackie Avenue, Patcham, just before 5pm on Tuesday.

The man shouted at the boy to get into the van but the youngster ran off and the man drove away. Police could not find the man or the van.

Local schools have been warned of the attempted abduction – but parents are upset they have not yet been told.

The mother of the boy’s friend, who did not want to be named, said: “The first I heard of it was when my son came home from school and told me about it.

“I can’t understand why the school hasn’t told parents. Lots of us mums have been talking about it and we’re upset we haven’t been informed.”

Patcham High School Headteacher Paula Sargent said the school did not learn of the incident until Wednesday morning and told children first so they could warn them to be careful if they were walking home that day.

She said: “All tutors were told about it and they shared it with their classes. The first line was about keeping the kids safe.

“We didn’t know where this person was or if he’d been apprehended so we felt it was important we told the children first so we could alert them ahead of home time.

“We’ve put something on our website today and also texted all parents to let them know what’s happened. Incidents like this are very rare. I can only recall one similar one in my ten years here.”

The statement on the school’s website read: “The school have been informed of an incident in Mackie Park on Tuesday evening, where a Patcham student was approached by a stranger. Students have been made aware and the local neighbourhood police team have been informed.”

Sussex Police said the suspect is described as in his 40s and scruffy, wearing a white top and grey trousers.

A force spokeswoman said: “The motive for this isolated incident has not been established. Local schools have been advised as a matter of standard practice to help ensure that any other such incidents get reported to police. There have been no other such reports to date.”

Anyone who has any information about the incident can email Sussex Police at 101@sussex.pnn.police. uk or call 101.