An investigation has been launched after a schoolgirl reported that a man tried to grab her in Gosport.

The 12-year-old girl was walking to school along Lanyard Drive this morning at 7.30am when a man driving a silver or grey car pulled up alongside her.

The man, described as aged in his 30s with a grey goatee-style beard, got out of the car and tried to grab her by one of her shoulders.

But the girl managed to shrug off his grip and ran away.

Police say they are “concerned” that the report is so similar to another incident earlier in the month.

Chief Inspector Darren O'Callaghan said: "Police are in the early stages of enquiries, and there is no evidence at the moment to confirm a link between this report or any other crimes.

"Nevertheless, we are clearly concerned that this report is similar to an assault reported in Conifer Grove in Gosport on January 10 when two men in a silver car approached a 17-year-old girl.

"I would like to thank members of the public for reporting this information to the police promptly.

"Similar cases elsewhere in Hampshire have raised awareness of suspicious behaviour towards children and women.

"Continued co-operation from the community is important to ensure the facts are established swiftly and any offenders brought to justice.

"While the exact circumstances are investigated, police are asking the public to remain alert, but not alarmed; advising parents and schools to remind their children of the stranger danger message, and to report any incidents to us as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should contact CID at Fareham Police Station by phoning 101.