Pupils and parents have been warned after a man allegedly exposed himself to two sets of students in an "alarming" incident near a Somerset school on Friday.

Police say that the two sets of Swanmead School pupils were approached by a man on Canal Way, Ilminster between 3pm and 4pm, while they were walking home from school.

Adding that the man was seen driving up to the pupils in a silver-coloured five door car before exposing himself.

Mark Walker, head teacher at Swanmead School, has issued a statement for parents.

He said: "Some of you may have heard of the incident after school last Friday where two separate groups of our younger pupils were approached by an individual in a car whilst walking home.

"The pupils involved acted extremely responsibly and very soon afterwards the police were called.

"It is always very alarming when an incident of this nature occurs in our school community and I know many of you have contacted the school and taken to social media to raise your concerns."

Police have also issued a statement following the incident.

It said: "We’re appealing for information and asking the public to be alert but not alarmed after a man twice exposed himself to children in Ilminster.

"We received two reports of indecent exposure on Canal Way on Friday, 5 February. Both incidents occurred at approximately 3.45pm.

"A man drove up alongside the children, engaged them in conversation before then exposing himself from inside his car.

"The man was driving a silver-coloured five door car. He is described as white, of large build and aged in his 30s."

Sergeant Rob Jameson said: “Incidents of this type are extremely rare in Ilminster and while we’d ask people to be vigilant they should not be alarmed.

“We have carried out a number of enquiries as part of this investigation, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV from the area.

“We’d now like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of the man, or who saw anything suspicious around the time of the incidents, to get in touch.”

Mr Walker later added: "I have emphasised to the children this week that they are very lucky to live in a safe community like Ilminster and also in a world where the overwhelming majority of people are truly fantastic.

"Using assembly time and tutor time, we have also taken the opportunity to remind our children about the importance of keeping themselves safe and how to react in the rare moments when situations like this might happen.

Share article "The fact that our young people dealt with Friday’s situation so bravely, collectively and intelligently pays real testament to what you have taught your children as parents and the fine work that has obviously occurred in our local schools.

"We all have a responsibility in keeping our children safe in Ilminster and Friday’s incident has furthermore heightened the need to continue to talk and educate them in making these safe decisions."