A young schoolgirl has escaped a predator who approached her outside her school by telling him her parents were dead.

The year six student was walking on the perimeter of Reynella East College at 8:30am yesterday when she was approached by the man, 9News reports.

The man claims her mother told him to pick her up and tried to convince her to go with him.

However, she replied, “my parents are dead.”

He then returned to his car before driving off.

The man is described as Caucasian, about 180cm tall with dark hair.

He reportedly had a sleeve tattoo that included a snake.

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Crimestoppers on 1800 333 00 FREE

The incident has again prompted police to encourage parents to discuss the ‘Safe People, Safe Places’ messages with their children, including;

– Make sure your parents or another adult you know knows where you are at all times.
– Always walk straight home or to the place you are walking to. Walk near busier roads and streets, or use paths where there are lots of other people.
– Know where safe places are – a shop, service station, police station, library or school. If you are ever frightened, you should go to one of these places and ask them to call the police.
– Learn about safe adults you can look for and talk to if you need help – police officers, teachers at school, adults you know and trust.
– Don’t talk to people you don’t know and never get into a car with someone you don’t know. If a car stops on the side of the road and you don’t know the person inside, do not stop.
– If you are scared and can use a phone, call 000 and tell them you are scared.
– If someone tries to grab you, yell out, ‘Go away, I don’t know you’. This lets other people know you have been approached by someone you don’t know.