Police have released a statement reassuring parents after an incident near Malmesbury Primary School earlier this week. 

On Tuesday, January 22, around 1pm police received a report that a 10-year-old child at the school had been followed by a van driver in Gloucester Road near the Riverside Centre. 

Because of the incident, children at the school were unable to walk home alone and staff waited alongside children at the Co-Op car park.

Police have now issued an update on the incident. 

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said: “We have been carrying out enquiries following a report from a ten-year-old child about a man acting suspiciously in Gloucester Road, Malmesbury, on Tuesday afternoon.

“Our enquiries are now complete and we want to update the public that the child involved has been spoken to by officers and has clarified that it was a misunderstanding.

“We are no longer investigating and we want to reassure the local community that the matter has been resolved.

“We hope this sends a clear message that reports of this nature will always be taken seriously and people should always call 101 if they have concerns about suspicious activity in their area.”

Malmesbury headteacher Mr Heal sent an email out to parents following the conclusion of the investigation. 

He said: "Following further investigations, the police have told us they no longer believe there is a heightened risk to children in the area. 

"The initial report was made with good intentions and serves as a reminder to ensure the safety of the children.

"I hope you understand that by erring on the side of caution, everyone has acted in the best interests of the children and their safety. 

"We would like to thank the police for their help, especially for carrying out extra patrols in the area to reassure everyone."