PARENTS with children at neighbouring primary and nursery schools were today warned to be extra vigilant after a young girl was approached by a man with a dog.

Police in the area stepped up patrols in Ightenhill following the incident at Ightenhill Nursery School in Lionel Street, Burnley.

Teachers raised the alarm after the man in his 20s approached a child walking to the nursery and asked her if she wanted to see his puppy.

Pauline Robinson, head of the nursery school, immediately discussed the situation with John Fairbrother, head of Ightenhill Primary, and they agreed to send letters to all parents.

Mr Fairbrother said: "It did not take me long to decide to write to parents. At the risk of being accused of scare mongering, I would never have forgiven myself if anything happened.

"He spoke to this woman's daughter and said 'Do you want to see my puppy?' Her mother told him she didn't and took her daughter into the nursery school.

"She spoke to a few more mums and they had also seen him and said they felt uneasy about his presence in the area.

"She said he had an unusual accent, not local to Burnley. He may be perfectly innocent and if so I would urge him to contact the police." A parent also reported possibly seeing the same man yesterday in nearby Oak Street but Mr Fairbrother said his deputy and caretaker went out and searched the area but could not see the man.

Sgt Nikki Butler, of Padiham police, said: "We are aware of the incident and have been contacted by the schools. We have spoken to parents and have officers out in the area.

"We agree with the action the schools have taken and would encourage parents to be extra vigilant.

"If anyone knows who the man is, or he is reading this article, please contact the police."

The incident happened at lunchtime on Wednesday and anyone with information should contact Burnley police on 01282 425001 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The man is described as white, aged about 20 and with dark short hair. He had a small dog.