A man asked a 12-year-old boy on his way to a school in Hove to get in his car.
The driver was in Fox Way, Portslade, when he spoke to the Hove Park School pupil.
Austen Hindman, head of Hove Park’s Valley Campus or lower school, wrote to parents on Tuesday (21 October).
He said: “We have had reports of a man who is approaching students on their way to school.
“He is black, in his thirties and drives a black car, a Peugeot or Rover.
“This morning he was seen in Fox Way.
“The police are aware.”
The school said: “A communication was sent home to parents and carers in response to a concern raised by the parent of one of our students. Police have been made aware of this concern.”
Sussex Police said: “Police received a report that a boy had been approached by a man in a car on his way to school on Tuesday morning (October 21).
“The Hove Park School pupil, a 12-year-old, was walking along Fox Way around 8.20am when the man, in a car that had stopped in traffic, invited the boy to get in.
“The boy ran off and went straight to school where he immediately reported it.”
Sergeant Daren Egan said: “We have spoken to the boy, who did exactly the right thing by reporting it to school staff straight away.
“The man made no attempt to touch him and did not follow him. He has described him as a black man and in his thirties.
“If anyone was driving along Fox Way at that time and saw what happened, please get in touch with us.
“Local PCSOs were in the area at the end of the school day yesterday and again this morning.
“We are working closely with the school through our school liaison officer to offer reassurance and listen to any concerns.”
Any witnesses are asked to phone Sussex Police on 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk.