A TODDLER was approached by a woman claiming to be from social services in what police last night called a ‘suspicious incident’.

The two-year-old girl was being looked after by a woman in a communal garden in Stratton Way, Abingdon, on Wednesday afternoon.

At about 1.40pm, another woman, who claimed she was from social services, went up to the girl and began asking questions about the child.

She then went back over to a man who was waiting on the pavement and they walked away.

The woman was described as white, aged between 35 and 40 and of medium build.

She was wearing a floral top and white trousers and had brown hair with red streaks.

Police have asked parents in the area to be vigilant, but not unduly alarmed.

Det Con Jon Shaw said: “Although no offences were committed this incident has understandably concerned the parents of the little girl.

“This woman might have been being friendly and I would like other parents and guardians not to be alarmed, but to be aware that this has happened and to report any suspicious behaviour like this to police and also to make sure that they are aware of where their young children are at all times.

“If a child is approached by a stranger, our advice would be to run, yell and tell — to run away from the stranger, make as much noise as possible and tell a parent, teacher or police officer as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information should call police on 0845 8 505505, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.