POLICE are hunting a man who attempted to coax a small child towards him at an after-school club.

The suspect was spotted approaching the child while clapping his hands and holding his arms outstretched.

He left the school after being challenged by a member of staff.

The incident happened at St Katharine’s Church of England Primary School in Rolls Drive, Southbourne.

Shortly afterwards, the same man made a number of sick propositions to women at Mudeford Quay and in Christchurch town centre.

In the aftermath of these incidents, Dorset Police circulated details on social media in a bid to locate the individual. They also confirmed they were only looking for one man in connection with all the reports.

Dorset Police said: “The male was approaching the classrooms before a member of school staff approached him and asked him to leave, which he then did.

“Subsequent to this incident occurring, further reports made to Dorset Police were from females in Christchurch town centre and Mudeford Quay stating that they had been approached by a male who had made propositions and suggestions towards them of an indecent nature.

“This male matches the same description and local officers have confirmed it is indeed the same person.”

The suspect is 6ft, aged 20-25, tanned, with short brown hair, slim, wearing a white T-shirt, dark shorts and trainers.

Officers say he was not a parent and not known to any of the children at the club. The after-school incident took place at 5.30pm on Monday, July 1.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Dorset Police via 10, quoting reference number 02:258