PARENTS have been warned to be vigilant after a man allegedly blocked the path of a child with their van and asked if they want to see some puppies inside.

The message to schools on the Lizard peninsular and Helston area went out to parents today and says the incident happened in Cury.

The man, described as having long hair and being in his 30s, is alleged to have blocked the child's route with his white van and invited them to look at the puppies in the back.

The incident has been reported to the police but the registration plate number isn't known. The school, which hasn't been identified, asks parents to be vigilant.

The statement from the school in full says: "We have been informed that a man in a white van blocked the path of a child in Cury village on the Lizard peninsular this morning and invited the child to look at some puppies inside his vehicle.

"The matter has been reported to the police but the registration plate of the van isn't known. Please remain vigilant and reinforce the message with your child never to go with anyone they do not know. Thank you."

A text to parents from Mullion School added more detail to the warning talking about a man with 'long hair'.

The text said: "A man in his mid 30’s with long hair in a white van with no side windows has been in the area acting strangely and asking children if they want too see puppies he has in his van’ Parents please be aware."

Devon and Cornwall Police and Cornwall Council have been contacted for confirmation and statements.