Police are surrounding schools in a south London borough after two attempted child abductions were reported within a week.
Parents have been put on alert after a young boy was "nearly grabbed" in Surbiton on Monday. A man believed to be in his mid 20s wearing a black jumper, blue trousers and black woolly hat approached the child and grabbed hold of him, police said.
The boy struggled and was able to break free and alerted staff. The man is thought to have been accompanied by a woman with long black hair, dressed in red.
London schools have been put on high alert
Kingston Police have also released information about a girl who was approached by a couple on Thursday as she was drinking from a water fountain at Grand Avenue Primary School in Kingston. The police were called after the girl ran off to tell a teacher.
A man fitting the first description was spotted by a member of the public riding a bicycle in front of the school.
Officers are now stationed outside every primary and secondary school in Kingston Borough to ensure pupils arrived and made their way home safely.
Parents have received letters and texts from headteachers telling them to "stay vigilant".
Police said they were taking the reports "very seriously".
Kingston Borough Commander Chief Superintendent Martin Greenslade said: "I want to reassure parents that we are treating them extremely seriously and are conducting vigorous enquiries.
"We have instigated extra patrols in the borough and are maintaining an increased visible presence outside local schools.
"I am appealing to the community to come forward and assist us, with any information, no matter how small that may be, that will help us with these investigations.
"I would remind the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us. I would also ask parents to take the opportunity to remind their children how to stay safe and not to speak with strangers."
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 07917 271 552 or call Kingston police via 101.