PARENTS are being warned to be on their guard after a man tried to lure primary schoolchildren into his van.

On three separate occasions in the last week a man driving a red van was seen approaching children near Eldene Primary School.

Last Friday, a girl was on her way to school when the man asked the Year 3 pupil, aged just seven or eight, if she wanted to have a look at a bike in the back of his van.

A worried friend of the girl's mother said: "My friend's daughter left home at about 8.15am and was between Colingsmead and Islandsmead when she was approached by a big red van.

"The man got out of his door and said Do you want to look at this brand new bike I have got in the back'.

"The girl ran off, and as she was running off the driver went round the other road to the school.

"She saw him again, but saw a boy she knew from the school who she went to him for help.

"She then went into the school and reported it.

"When I went to the school on Monday another mum told me about an incident on Saturday. At about 2.30pm a girl was heard shouting at a man who had her by the hand and was walking her away.

"The police came out and saw the girl on Saturday and I think took DNA swabs off her hands, because he must have been sweating.

"The school sent out a letter on Friday and warning parents not to let children go to school on their own.

"I have two children at the school and my eldest normally walks on her own, but I have had to tell her to walk with me for the time being.

"Everyone at the school is shocked about the whole incident."

On Saturday three girls aged six and seven were playing in Stubsmead when a man approached one of the girls from behind, grabbed hold of her wrist and tried to drag her towards the road.

The girl managed to pull herself free and ran home for help.

The man had light brown hair and stubble on his chin. One of the other girls said she saw him head towards a red van after the incident.

On Monday evening a third incident took place involving an 11-year-old girl. Police said they were still talking to the girl and her family to find out exactly what happened.

Swindon's top cop has urged parents to be cautious following the incidents.

Chief Supt Paul Howlett said: "Swindon police are talking theses three incidents very seriously, but despite our best efforts, we have to date not been able to resolve them to our satisfaction.

"It is important parents be aware of these three incidents and for the time being then ensure that their children are properly supervised.

"We do not wish to be alarmist but at the same time our priority rests in protecting children from harm.

"Swindon is a safe place to be and we intend to keep it that way. Fortunately such incidents are rare and I'd rather we be vigilant than complacent.

"We are very aware that half term is approaching, and we have had some warm weather and the children want to go out and play, but parents should make sure their children are safe, playing under supervision and they know where they are."

Another Eldene primary mum said: "My daughter walks to school with a friend's mum, and I know she would be safe, but it is worrying. He seems to be targeting children in year three and year six."

After the third incident was reported to police yesterday morning, a Swindon man was arrested in the town centre.

Last night he was being held at Gablecross police station, while the investigation continues.