A MAN who approached two schoolgirls and asked them to get into his van is being hunted by police. Parents and pupils are being warned to stay on their guard after the man approached two 11-year-old girls in Hatfield on Friday, at around 9am. The incident

A MAN who approached two schoolgirls and asked them to get into his van is being hunted by police.

Parents and pupils are being warned to stay on their guard after the man approached two 11-year-old girls in Hatfield on Friday, at around 9am.

The incident took place in Birchwood Avenue, Hatfield.

PC Alasdair MacPhail said: "We do not want to unnecessarily alarm parents or pupils, but we want to alert parents and encourage pupil not to speak to strangers.

"If anyone sees the man or recognises the description of the van, please contact police."

The man is white, in his early thirties and was wearing a black coat.

The van is plain white with an orange light bar on top. It had electronic windows and a black bumper.

Hertfordshire Constabulary has increased patrols around the area, and is reminding residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour by calling police on 0845 33 00 222.