POLICE are urging parents to be vigilant after a man stopped two schoolgirls in separate incidents in the same area of Middlesbrough.

At about 4pm yesterday (Wednesday, July 17), a man approached an 11-year-old girl near to the art college on Tollesby Road.

And today (July 18) at about 3pm, a man with the same description approached a 12-year-old girl in a wooded area behind Parkfield Avenue.

On both occasions the stranger engaged them in the same conversation before leaving.

The man is described as white, about 20-30 years of age, 5ft 6ins tall, skinny build with light brown or blonde hair.

Yesterday the man was described as wearing black trousers, a short sleeve t-shirt with green writing on, brown sandals a beige hat and sunglasses.

Today he was described as wearing a green baseball cap, white t-shirt, blue and white sandals and green three-quarter length trousers.

Officers are concerned about the man’s behaviour and are asking parents, children and other members of the public to be vigilant but take a common sense approach.

Detectives are working to identify the man, including viewing any CCTV from the area.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Constable Keith Longstaff on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.