TWO girls were approached by a man in a van offering them sweets while playing in a residential estate.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident which occurred in Chain Lane in Battle on Monday, November 1.

The two young girls were playing outside when a man driving a white van approached them and offered them sweets between 4.30pm and 4.45pm.

The girls refused and were able to safely return home.

According to police, the man was wearing a bright orange jacket.

Inspector Aidan Cornwall, of the Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We understand the concern incidents like this can cause and we would like to reassure people that we are aware and looking into the matter.

"We will be running dedicated patrols in the area and encourage anyone with any information or concerns to get in touch with us."

Anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the area around that time, or who may have any relevant CCTV or doorbell footage, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101, quoting serial 1246 of 02/11.