A fake policeman has been attempting to abduct young girls in Hornsey, police have said.

Four schoolgirls, aged between 11 and 14-years-old, were approached by a man posing as a police officer in a number of locations around Hornsey and Crouch End, early on Monday morning.

Another schoolgirl was then approached by the man on Tuesday morning before school.

A 10-year-old boy was also approached by the stranger just before school in the Crouch End area on Tuesday.

The man was not wearing a police uniform, but he is said to have identified himself as an officer.

At this stage police are treating these reports as attempted abductions.

Some of the children were from Hornsey School for Girls and Highgate Wood School.

None of the children were injured and police officers are in the process of speaking to them, their schools and their parents or carers to find out the exact circumstances of each incident.

All the children were approached just before the start of the school day, between 8.50 and 9am.

The man is described as black, between 20-30 years old and of medium build. He had short dark hair and was wearing a jacket with the hood up.

Police have not revealed the road names because it might affect the live investigation.

Officers are looking at forensics and CCTV footage.

Haringey chief inspector Jude Beehag-Fisher said: “It would be unusual for police officers in plain clothes not to identify themselves by showing a warrant card, and members of the public are entitled to ask to see one.

“Any child approached by someone in the street, in similar circumstances to these incidents, that are not shown any identification that the person is a police officer, should get away from them as quickly as possible.

“They should shout for help and make sure they tell a parent, teacher or other person in authority as soon as possible. In an emergency always dial 999.”

Haringey police are carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

Hornsey School for Girls are advising parents and children to be aware of “stranger danger.”

Highgate Wood School has also circulated information to all parents and students.

Headteacher Patrick Cozier sent out a message to parents asking them to remind their child to be vigilant against threats from strangers.

A Haringey Council spokeswoman said: “We are aware of the incidents that took place in the Hornsey area.

“Incidents of this nature are very rare in Haringey, though we fully understand the concern this has caused for parents. Pupil safeguarding is a priority for the council and for all local schools and there is a clear focus on ensuring all pupils are aware of ‘stranger danger’.

“We are of course supporting the police in their investigation.”

- Anyone with information is asked to call police via 999, or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.