The Tandridge Safer Neighbourhood Team is reminding all young people to remain vigilant at all times following a suspicious incident in Warlingham on Thursday (13 May) evening.

At around 7.30pm a16-year-old girl was delivering newspapers in Westhall Road when a man driving a small old red car pulled up along-side her. The man got out of the car and advance towards the teenager asking her to get in the car. The girl ran into a nearby house and called her mother on her mobile phone.

The man drove off. He is described as a mixed-race man, aged approximately 35, with short black hair.

Local Safer Neighbourhood officers are aware of this incident and will be increasing patrols in the area.

Caterham Sergeant Dan Gutierrez said: “We are taking this report extremely seriously and we are increasing patrols as a result.

“Local officers have good relationships with the nearby secondary schools and we will be liaising closely with staff. I must stress the young girl was not injured and we do not know what this man’s motive was. But, it was an incredibly frightening experience for her and we need to establish who this man is.

“We will also be working with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police following a similar incident just over the border in Kenley.

“If you know someone matching the suspect’s description who would have been in the Warlingham area yesterday evening then please come forward. I would like to reassure the Warlingham community that suspicious incidents of this nature are extremely rare throughout east Surrey and officers are doing all they can to find the man responsible.”

If you were in the Westhall Road, Warlingham area on Thursday, 14 May, at around 7.30pm  Surrey Police would like to speak to you as you may have vital information. Or if you know someone who matches the suspect’s description please contact Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference P10144455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.