PARENTS in a North Yorkshire town have been urged to warn their children after a man allegedly offered children sweets outside a school.

The man was seen approaching a pupil walking near Bullamoor Road on their way to school on Tuesday morning and offering them sweets, and police in Northallerton took to social media to warn the public about him.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Our enquiries are at an early stage and we are seeking to identify a man reported to be at this location talking to a student on his way to school.

"He is described as having a half bald head, approximately 50 years old, possibly wearing a brown leather jacket, scruffy appearance but clean shaven. No glasses, jeans and black boots, possibly work type boots."

Police said no child had been injured but urged parents to remind their children not to speak to strangers.

The spokesman said: "We ask the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious incidents to the police, but not worry about their children walking to and from school. We would also ask parents to reinforce the 'stranger danger' message to their children.

"Social media should not be used as a reliable source of information unless it is posted on an official site such as the police, emergency services or other organisations."