AN INCIDENT where a Ringwood School pupil was approached by an "older male" is being investigated by police, the school have said.

A statement from Ringwood School said a Year 7 pupil was approached before school started on Wednesday, November 11.

The statement from the school added: "This incident happened to coincide with the day that local police officers were at the school gates for an awareness raising event.

"The police presence was not related to the incident and the student arrived at school and following disclosure of the incident, their parents and the police were formally informed.

"This incident is now being investigated by Hampshire Constabulary who will conduct reassurance patrols at the start and end of school this week."

The school said that officers would be patrolling outside Ringwood School on Monday to reassure pupils and parents.

A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said: We were called to Ringwood School at 8.15am on Wednesday 11 November after it was reported a child had been assaulted.

"The school reported that an unknown man had touched the child’s school bag as she was crossing the road at the Manor Road junction and believed the behaviour to be suspicious.

"The child, aged 12, was not injured in any way. Officers continue to conduct regular patrols at the school’s start and finishing times. Anyone with information should call 101, quoting 44200436994."