A nine-year-old school girl was approached by a man who told her he was to pick her up because her mum was in hospital.

Police are investigating the incident during which a car pulled up alongside the nine-year-old girl in the area of Westfield View, close to the junction with Wedgwood Road, Flimby, at around 7.20pm last night.

At no point did the girl enter the car or was any physical contact made. He then drove off.

Flimby Primary School sent a message to all the parents to inform them of the incident.

Jacqui Wilson, headteacher, said: "We spent time speaking to the children today about being aware of strangers and reinforcing a project we do in the school, we spend quite a lot of time doing this kind of work already."

Miss Wilson said children were taught to be assertive and shout no if approached by a stranger and to speak to a trusted adult.

She added: "There's a weariness with staff, we're always alerted of these events and are being more alert. But we try to keep things as normal as possible for the children."

The car is described as dirty, small and blue or grey.

The man is described as white, bald and in his late-30s. He was wearing a black jacket over a scruffy, ripped t-shirt and jeans.

Detective Chief Inspector Roy Ledingham said: "This is obviously a concerning report but I can assure people the incident is being thoroughly investigated.

"It is important that anyone who has any knowledge of this incident or who has any information which may assist contacts us immediately.

"I would also ask that the man in question comes forward to make himself known. In doing so, he can provide information about the incident reported to us."

Anyone with information should contact Cumbria Police referencing incident 234 of 26 June 2017.

Email 101@cumbria.police.uk or call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.