Warning issued after reports van driver 'approached schoolchildren and asked them to do something for money'

In a notice to parents, a school said children were asked 'to do something for money'

A Nottinghamshire school has warned parents about a person in a van who reportedly approached pupils "asking them to do something for money". The incident involved two year six aged children from Florence Nightingale Academy in Greasley on Wednesday (October 9) night.

In a notice sent to parents the following day, nearby Greasley Beauvale Primary School said: "We have been informed by a local school that two of their year 6 pupils were approached by a person in a van last night asking them to do something for money. This has been reported to the police.

"Can we ask you to speak to be vigilant and to report anything unusual to either yourselves or another adult that they trust. Any incidents like this should be reported directly to the police and school should also be informed."

The Florence Nightingale Academy confirmed it had reported the matter to the police but declined to comment further. Nottinghamshire Police denied that the boys had been "approached" but confirmed it had received reports of the incident.

Inspector Usha Madaraa said: “We are aware of reports of a man in a van who spoke to two schoolboys as they walked home along Chewton Street, Eastwood, between 3.15pm and 3.30pm on Wednesday.

“The children were not approached and were not harmed. Our inquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and to trace the vehicle involved.

“I understand the concerns of parents in light of these types of reports. We always advise parents to be vigilant when it comes to the safety of children, and I’d like to reassure them that we treat reports of this kind extremely seriously and will thoroughly investigate the circumstances.

“Keeping people safe is our top priority and we have increased high-visibility patrols in the area while we continue with our inquiries. I would encourage the public to speak with our local officers about any concerns they have, and we are urging anyone who may have information which could help us with our inquiries to call us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 145 of 10 October 2024, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.