Detectives are hunting a man who tried to entice a young girl into his car in a village near Bicester.

The incident took place near the village green in Fringford at 6pm last night when a group of youngsters, who are of primary school age, were playing together.

The man pulled up in a saloon car and asked the young girl for directions.

He then asked her to get into his car.

When she refused, he drove off and the girl ran home to tell her parents, who immediately informed the police.

Police say this was the second similar incident in the Bicester area during the past month but have only released details after inquiries by the Oxford Mail. They now want to alert parents, schools and Neighbourhood Watch groups. Officers are today visiting Fringford Primary School to brief staff about what happened and to give them advice.

Det Con Andy Roberts, of Bicester CID, said: "We do not wish to alarm teachers and parents unnecessarily but we are not taking any chances and an investigation is under way."

Some weeks ago, a driver approached children in the Langford area of Bicester. Police are now checking to see if the two incidents are linked. Thames Valley Police spokesman David Campbell said officers would be speaking to youngsters who witnessed last night's incident to try to get a more detailed description of the man and his car.

"That could involve speaking to the girl herself so that we can get as many details as possible," he added. "A group of children were playing by the village green and the man pulled up. He asked directions and then asked a young girl to get into his car. Fortunately, she didn't and went home to tell her parents.

"We need to trace this man to interview him because his motives are not entirely clear."

Mr Campbell said the incident did not take place immediately outside Fringford Primary School, which is off the village green.

"As far as we are aware the youngsters were not in school uniform and were playing after school time," he added.

Fringford Primary School secretary Barbara Nowakowski said: "The police have been in touch and are coming to the school to brief the staff."

Anyone with information should telephone 01865 266818.

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