PARENTS of schoolchildren in the Abergavenny area have been warned to stay vigilant and reiterate the 'stranger danger' message at home following an incident which occurred on the grounds of Llantilio Pertholey Church in Wales Primary School on Monday.

The school's Headteacher David Evans explained, "At approximately 3.40pm on Monday (December 2), two girls were playing in the bushes near the pond area adjacent to the Key Stage Two playground when they were approached by a man.

"The man asked them to come into the bushes with him at which point the girls ran to their parents who were on the playground. The police were immediately informed and they attended school soon afterwards."

The girls described the man as wearing a hat with some sort of scarf pulled over his face so only his eyes were showing.

The school has since asked all parents to remain extra vigilant to help ensure the safety of the children.

A spokesperson for MCC said, "We are able to confirm that an incident took place on Monday afternoon at Llantilio Pertholey Church in Wales Primary School. Two female pupils were approached by a man, who attempted to speak to them. At this point the girls ran to their parents, who were in the school playground. The police were immediately informed and they arrived at the school soon afterwards.

"The girls described the man as wearing a hat and had some sort of scarf pulled over his face so only his eyes were showing. The incident took place after school had ended for the day.

"The school has spoken to all its pupils to reassure them and discuss "stranger danger". They have asked parents to re-enforce this message and have reminded them of the school's pupil safeguarding procedures. Monmouthshire County Council is supporting them in this and has assigned a senior officer to assist them. Gwent police have maintained a highly visible presence at the school since the incident took place.

"We would like to commend the pupils for their quick thinking in avoiding this man and going straight to their parents."

A spokesperson for Gwent Police added, "Gwent Police received a call at approximately 16:00 on Monday December 2  about a man having approached two pupils at Llantilio Pertholey Church in Wales Primary school.

"The two female pupils were approached by a man, who attempted to engage them in conversation. The pupils did the right thing and ran away and informed their parents and teacher. They were left upset but were not harmed. The man is described as having been wearing a black jacket a black jumper, a hat which covered his ears and a black scarf covering the bottom half of his face.

"Officers are investigating the incident and are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious to ring 101 quoting log 318 02/12/13.

"Additional patrols have been made of the area, and the school has informed the parents of the other pupils about the incident and issued appropriate advice. Other local schools have also been informed with officers also conducting patrols in and around these locations."