PARENTS are being warned not to let their children walk alone after a 12-year-old girl was attacked on her way to school.

The youngster was approached from behind by a man who tried to grab her and force her to the ground.

The schoolgirl managed to struggle free from his grip and escape during the daylight attack.

Detectives were today stepping up the hunt for the man responsible, who struck on a bridle path in Hedge End as the girl walked alone at about 8am yesterday.