A school pupil was grabbed by a man with knife on his way to school in Dorking.

The 12-year-old boy was walking to the Priory School, in West Bank via the Horsham Road, in Dorking at just before 9am yesterday morning (Thursday), when he was grabbed from behind by a man. The suspect did not threaten the victim but he produced a flick-knife which was concealed in his jacket on a chain.

The suspect then ran away along St Paul's Road in the direction of the church.

Stephen Cabrera, deputy headteacher at the Priory, said: "There was an incident with a pupil on the way to school.

"The pupil was approached by a man who apparently had a knife. He wasn't attacked and came to school as a matter of course.

"We informed other schools in the area. We looked after him. He was a little bit shaken.

"The man with the knife is not thought to be connected with the school or the students. A description was given to the police.

"We are obviously concerned for all the students, which is why we informed other schools in the area.

"We are shocked as it is a very random thing to happen here. We are obviously keeping alert and continuing to be vigilant."

Neighbourhood inspector John Tadman said: "This incident is being taken extremely seriously and officers from my safer neighbourhood Team immediately began searching for the suspect yesterday morning.

"As a parent myself I can understand how concerned people will be by the rumours circulating about a stabbing but I would like to reassure the community this young victim was not stabbed, at no time did the suspect point the knife at him nor was any violence used.

"However, we are treating this incident very seriously and I would ask anyone who was in the area at the time, or if you recognise the suspect's description, to please come forward."

The suspect is described as a white man, in his mid 20s, approximately 6ft tall, slim to medium build with pale skin.

He was wearing a black peaked cap which was pulled down low over his eyes, a black or brown waist length jacket, a black hooded top and dark blue jeans.

Anyone with information is urged to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 quoting reference MV/10/355.

If you would like to talk to the Advertiser news desk about this incident call 01306 886760.