UPDATE: 2.53pm

The headteacher of St Woolos Primary School Heather Vaughan said: "The school contacted the police promptly and followed closely their protocols about communications to pupils and parents. Letters were sent out to parents at the end of the school day.

"PCSOs are on duty near the school over the next few days and a follow-up assembly with our school liaison police officer is taking place next week.

"The most important thing for us to do now is to ensure that all of the children are unworried, calm and settled in school."

UPDATE: 6.19am

GWENT Police are appealing for information after a man approached two young girls outside a primary school in Newport.

The incident happened sometime between 8am and 9.30am yesterday near to St Woolos Junior and Infants School, Stow Hill.

Two girls, aged 9 and 4, were walking to school down an alleyway at the end of St Mary Street when they were approached by a man. The girls ran away unharmed.

The man is described as being white, about 6 ft 2 tall, of a slim build with grey hair and grey goatee beard.

He was wearing a black jumper, black trousers and black trainers. He may also have a black tattoo on his lower arm/wrist onto his hand, part of which resembles the teeth of a saw.

Anyone with information is asked to call Gwent Police on 101, quoting log number 64 03/03/15.