A school pupil ran away to safety after refusing to get into a van driven by a stranger near a Norfolk school.

A warning message has been sent by Litcham School to all secondary phase parents after the incident, where the pupil was stopped by the driver of a white van while walking home.

The message reads: 'We have been made aware of an incident where a pupil was stopped by a male driver of a white van on the way home from school. The driver then encouraged the pupil to get into the van. Fortunately, they said no and ran away.

'The police have been informed and they will investigate.

'Clearly, it is important that all pupils are reminded of the importance of dealing with any such incidents appropriately as follows: Saying no, getting away, telling an adult they trust about what has happened and the adult contacting the police.

'We would be grateful if you could re-iterate the importance of this with your child.'

The incident happened in Longham, near to Litcham, which is about five miles west of Dereham, at around 4pm on Thursday, April 4.

Parents whose children attend the secondary phase of Litcham School, based on Church Street, were made aware of the incident following the message from staff at around 5.30pm the same day.

Stuart Wilson, deputy head and designated safeguarding lead at the school, confirmed that the incident had taken place.

'At Litcham School we take the safety of our students very seriously,' he said.

'We immediately sent a message out via email and text, to alert parents and carers to the incident and to ensure that they had the opportunity to remind their child of the importance of dealing with any such incidents appropriately.

'The school gave the following guidance: Say no, get away, and tell an adult they trust about what has happened and for the adult to contact the police.

'We received a number of replies thanking us for the warning message circulated. We are also aware that some of our parents and carers shared the message via social media, so that it could reach a wider audience outside of our school community.

'Fortunately these incidents are very rare. By sharing the appropriate information quickly and informatively, we are able to help keep young people safe in our locality.'

Norfolk police confirmed enquiries are ongoing.

A spokesperson added: 'We are looking into reports a girl was approached on her way home from school by a man in a white van as she got off a bus.'