A known sex offender banned from having contact with children was spotted "hanging around" near a Washington primary school.
Parents were sent a warning on Wednesday afternoon after the man, who police say was drunk, was seen near the underpass close to Holley Park Academy
Officials at the Ayton Road school sent an email on Thursday morning urging parents and pupils to be "extra vigilant".
"It has been brought to our attention that a known sex offender was seen outside of school yesterday, around home time, in and around the subway drinking alcohol"," stated the email.
"Holley Park Academy has taken the appropriate action in reporting this, but parents - especially those of Year Six pupils who walk home alone - need to be aware of this and extra vigilant."
The school was approached for further comment but staff declined.
However despite concerns, ChronicleLive understands that there was no suggestion the man was attempting to approach any of the youngsters and has since been offered "appropriate advice" by police.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “On Wednesday we received a report of a man acting suspiciously in the Oxclose area of Washington.
“He was reported to be heavily intoxicated and hanging around an underpass close to Holley Park Primary School.
“The man did not approach anybody but last year was made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order which states he should not have contact with children.
"Officers have since spoken to the male in question and offered appropriate advice.
“Police are continuing to work closely with schools in the area and anybody who sees anything suspicious is asked to report it via 101.”
