Parents are on red alert after a woman tried to lure schoolboys into a car yesterday.

St Mary's Primary School in Twickenham sent an email to parents warning them of the incident after a couple approached three boys walking to St Mary’s Junior School yesterday morning.

They said a woman had encouraged the year six pupils to get into a car, which is believed to be a white or silver Golf or Fiat Panda.

This afternoon parents collected their children as usual from the school in Richmond Road and a member of staff was monitoring the school’s gates to allow cars and parents in and out.

A mum, who did not want to be named, said: “I’ve told my child don’t walk on your own and have reinforced to them not to get into a car with a stranger.”

The police have been alerted of the incident and said they will put an extra patrol car along Richmond Road in the mornings.

More information to follow.