AN investigation has been launched after a man in a white van was spotted tailing a bus carrying schoolchildren in Verwood.

The same van was later seen parked outside a fish and chip shop, with the driver appearing to follow one of the children - a schoolgirl making her way home.

Now police have called for witnesses, or anyone with information to come forward.

Dorset Police received reports of the van driver acting suspiciously towards the Cranborne Middle School pupils at 3.45pm on Wednesday.

Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Yeoman, of East Dorset police, said: "We take reports of such incidents very seriously and officers are making active enquiries in order to establish what happened.

"We would like to reassure the public that reports of these incidents are extremely rare, however, it is very important that parents and children remain vigilant and report any suspicious incidents to police.

"I would appeal to the public if they witnessed what happened to please contact police."

Local neighbourhood policing officers have stepped-up patrols in the area.

The takeaway where the van was spotted after it followed the bus was Harlees Fish & Chip shop, Manor Road, Verwood.

In a message emailed to parents, Cranborne Middle School deputy headteacher Mike Parker explained that police were investigating the incident.

Mr Parker added: "Obviously, we do not want to alarm children but they have been reminded in school about 'stranger danger' and what to do if they have any worries, and I suggest you re-iterate similar messages at home."

Anyone with information should contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 8.259.