A SUSPICIOUS man in Stroud was reported to have been running after two young schoolgirls today.

The incident happened at about 8.15am this morning (Wednesday) as two girls aged 10 and 11 walked to school along a pathway through a field at the back of Jack Russell Way.

The girls reported a man, described as 6ft tall, of thin build and wearing a grey hoody with the hood up, scarf, gloves and black jeans, walking very close to them.

When they ran off, he ran too, but stopped when another person appeared. He then made off in another direction.

The girls' school has been informed.

Parents and children are urged to visit gloucestershire.police.uk/kids_aware to find out more about personal safety.

Officers will be patrolling the area at home time and anyone with information about today's incident should call 101 quoting incident 100 of December 11.