A ROW of houses next to a primary school were cordoned off by police tape after a school girl told police she was approached by two men.

Eleven homes in Hemdean Road, Caversham, were taped off by blue and white tape after the two men were said to have stopped the 11-year old and spoken to her shortly after 3pm yesterday.

A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: "Officers were called at about 5.25pm yesterday following reports an 11-year-old girl had been approached by persons unknown to her near Caversham Primary School.

"The incident is believed to have happened shortly after 3.15pm. The girl is believed to have been approached by two men who have interacted with her."

The young girl was not hurt and police patrols are being stepped-up to reassure residents.

Officers remained on the scene today and were seen walking into Caversham Primary School, which sits just yards from the cordoned off area.

Officers have asked residents living near the scene if they have any CCTV footage and if they had witnessed anything suspicious.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone, of Force CID based at Reading police station, said: “We are carrying out a thorough investigation into this incident and are conducting enquiries at a number of locations.

“The child and her family are being supported by officers and we are working to establish further details of this incident."

Neighbours whose homes were inside the cordon were told to stay inside as the force conducted its investigations and officers could be seen chatting with the residents.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I have no idea what's going on, the police haven't told us what's happened.

"When I came downstairs this morning at about half past 7 they had put a letter through my door asking if I had any CCTV in my house and if I had seen anything suspicious.

"I looked outside and the police tape was there."

Officers guarding the scene left the area at around 2pm today.

It is believed the force is investigating a number of locations around the town in connection with the incident.

Reading Chronicle:

Police officers remained on the scene for nearly 24 hours after the girl was approached.

Deputy Commander for Reading, Chief Inspector Emma Burroughs, said: “This is a very concerning incident for the child and the wider public but I can reassure the community that we are fully investigating this incident to understand what has occurred.  

“Members of the public will see an increased police presence in the area while enquiries are carried out today and reassurance patrols will also be conducted.

“We will also be offering support to the school following this report.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to one of the Neighbourhood policing team on patrol.”