PARENTS have been warned about a man who may have offered children sweets outside an Oxford primary school.

Mothers and fathers whose children attend Bayards Hill Primary School, in Waynflete Road, Barton, were issued with a letter from the academy on Monday.

Addressed from headteacher Rachel Medley, the letter said the staff had been informed by police of the description of an Asian man, not allowed to be in Barton, who had reportedly been seen offering sweets to children in Bayswater Road.

Mrs Medley added: “The man is Asian, very tall and thin and wears a small turban.

“He is about 30 years old and rides a bicycle. Police suspect that the man has been offering sweets to children in Bayswater Road and ask that if you and your children know of any such incidents to contact the school. If you see man fitting the description in Barton or near the school please contact the police on 999 as soon as possible.”

Mrs Medley confirmed the letter was genuine, but added she did not know if any children had been offered sweets by the man.

Barton neighbourhood police sergeant David Keith said the force had warned the school, adding the man had been placed on conditional bail after being arrested for a harassment offence.

He added: “The condition of his police bail is to not go anywhere near the school.

“My message to the public is if you see this man of this description acting suspicious or hanging around to call the police on 101 or 999.”