TWO schools have issued warnings to parents following reports of a man allegedly offering drugs and harassing people for their phone numbers.

Beauchamps High School and Bromfords School, both in Wickford, have sent messages after different residents raised the alarm about the man’s suspicious activity.

The schools are warning children to be aware of the man and make sure they keep themselves safe on the journey to and from school.

In a letter to parents, Beauchamps wrote: “Some of you may be aware of the following information which has been reported to the school of a male approaching young girls over the last few days.

“These reports have been ranging from him hanging around the subway at the bottom of the Southend Road and approaching school girls and parents, being over friendly on the bus and one poor girl being harassed who works in Costa and him asking for telephone numbers.

“There are now reports he may be offering to share drugs and this morning harassing a lady at the petrol garage.

“The description people have given to the police is a black male, slim build, quite tall in a green coat and scars on his face.

“Please share this information with your children and ask them to report anything suspicious to yourselves and to the police. We would also suggest that the man is obviously not approached.”

A text sent to parents of Bromfords School, seen by the Echo, reads: “Please be advised that we have recieved unconfirmed reports that an unidentified male has approached a number of members of the Wickford Community.

“Please speak to your child reminding them how to remain safe.

“Should you have any concerns please contact the police directly.”

Neither school was available for further comment when contacted by the Echo.