PUPILS at primary schools in Ipswich are being warned to stay vigilant after two attempted abductions outside schools.

Police have sent letters to head teachers informing them that patrols will be stepped up outside schools this week and urged heads to position extra staff outside school gates at home-time.

In one incident, which took place outside Castle Hill School in Congreve Road at around 3.20pm on Monday, an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man who grabbed her arm.

The girl tried to pull away and the man let go, before getting into a black car and driving away.

Following a similar outside another school on Tuesday police have decided to make youngsters aware of the situation.

Richard Jones, a spokesman for Suffolk Police said: “On Monday and Tuesday this week a couple of incidents occurred outside Ipswich Primary Schools which involved a man encouraging a pupil to get into his car.

“We would encourage all schools to provide pupils with a suitable safety message that will not unduly alarm them but will make communities aware of the need to be vigilant to such incidents.

“Head teachers are asked to consider arranging for staff to be outside schools at home time for the next couple of days in high visibility jackets to reassure parents by providing a visible presence and in a way that is also easily identifiable to any passing police patrols.”

The offender in the incident outside Castle Hill School is described as between 6ft 1in - 6ft 6ins tall, bald, and with a beard.

He was wearing a short plain black coat zipped up, dark blue jeans and trainers. The vehicle he was driving has been described as a Ford Escort.

Calls in relation to this incident should be made to DC Mireille Bailey at Ipswich CID on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.