PARENTS have been warned to be “extra vigilant” after two men were seen acting suspiciously outside a Popley pre-school.

Police have been informed of the incident which happened outside Tiny Steps Pre-School in Bermuda Close yesterday.

The two men were reportedly asking parents outside the pre-school if they were collecting one of the children, using the child’s name.

They were then reportedly seen walking around the outside of the pre-school shouting the child’s name.

Posting about the incident on social media, the child’s mother said: “I thank god that my precious son was inside the nursery. I have no idea who the two men are.

“Please be careful what you post on social media and keep your babies safe. These men could have been watching myself and my children, they could know where I live.”

One of the men was reported to be in a silver car and the other on a pushbike.

Helen Heath, preschool manager, told the Gazette: “Yesterday afternoon an incident was reported to the police by the preschool, after speaking to a concerned parent.

“The police came within the hour to speak to staff and the parents statement was passed on to them.

“The incident occurred in a carpark near the preschool and may be unrelated. It is currently being investigated.”

She added: “Parents have all been informed and asked to be extra vigilant. As always our prority within preschool is keeping the children in our care safe. Police have said they would make their presence known in the local area.”

The incident follows several others in the town in recent weeks involving children, including one at Eastrop Park on February 4 which resulted in a 51-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of trying to abduct a child.

Another incident on February 22 saw Basingstoke mum Tara Jones issue a warning to parents after claiming a group of men intimidated her and her daughter in Oakridge.

In response, kickboxer Jeremy Bailey from Basingstoke has this week launched community patrols of the town to help people feel safer. Read the full story here.

Hampshire Constabulary said: "We were called just before 2pm yesterday, 2 March, to reports of a suspicious incident on Bermuda Close, Popley.

"It was reported that a man approached a parent at the school and asked if they were there to collect a specific child.

"The man left the area in a van. Anyone with information can phone 101 with the reference 44210078411."