Police Appeal After Suspicious Incident Near Newport School

Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspicious incident involving a group of schoolchildren in Newport.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary said the incident was reported at 2:27pm on Friday 13 March, but is believed to have taken place earlier that morning on Wellington Road.

Officers were told that a man wearing a balaclava was seen making gestures towards a group of secondary school children from the opposite side of the road between 8:25am and 8:45am.

No one was injured during the incident.

Police enquiries are ongoing, and officers are now urging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or who recognises the description of the man, to come forward.

He is described as being aged between 25 and 35, around 6ft to 6ft 2in tall, with an athletic build and short brown hair.

He was wearing a balaclava, black gloves, a dark blue tracksuit and carrying a black rucksack.

Anyone who was in the area at the time, or who has information or relevant footage, is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference 44260121186.

Information can also be submitted online via the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.