NSPCC warns children after attempted abductions and stranger dangers in Kent

A leading children's charity is warning children to be careful ahead of half term following a number of attempted abductions across parts of Kent.

Over the last month there have been several reports of children being approached by strangers in Hythe, Tonbridge and Dartford.

The NSPCC have now issued a timely reminder to parents to tell their children about "stranger danger" and urge them to walk away without talking to a suspicious person.

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Emily Cherry, head of participation at the charity, said: "Half term is an exciting time for children but it's really important parents think carefully about the risks that exist for children.

"One of the things that's difficult for parents is that there's no legal age that exists in law for your child to go out alone.

"There are some simple steps you can take to make sure your child has the confidence to say no to strangers and tell someone about it.

"The most important thing for children to think about is that if they are approached by anyone they don't know they walk away and immediately phone or talk to a trusted adult.

"It's also good to equip your child with your number and two other family members' numbers in case they ever are in a situation."

Ms Cherry said it was all about parents helping their child understand that a stranger may be innocent or could be someone looking to hurt a child.

"It's never worth a risk", she said.

"We know from calls to Childline that children can get really worried about being out on their own without friends or family.

"That's why we really encourage parents to think carefully about when it's right for your child to go out their own."

Earlier this week Brockhill Park Performing Arts College in Hythe sent out a text message to pupils to be safe over the holidays.

It comes after an 11-year-old girl was reportedly approached by a motorist in Seabrook whilst waiting for a bus to school at about 7.30am.

The police said the incident was possibly linked with a similar incident that happened on Tuesday, September 27 in Red Lion Square, Hythe.

A woman in her 30s is alleged to have tried to coax a teenage girl into a car.

And in two separate incidents this month a man is said to have tried to grab a young boy and girl in Tonbridge and a schoolgirl was grabbed by a stranger in Dartford.

For tips on how to make sure your child is safe when they go out alone click here.