Stalking may be commonplace among celebrities, but when it is happening in your own community it affects people more directly than the glossy gossip columns

Hob Moor Junior School sent letters home with all their 225 pupils last night, warning parents to be extra vigilant, after a ten-year-old pupil was threatened.

Rob Calvert, head teacher, said his staff taught the pupils never to talk to or go with strangers.

He said this was an issue drummed into all schoolchildren and was especially being reinforced following the incident in which a stalker threatened to kill one of his pupils.

The issue, especially when it involves children, will obviously raise concern from all areas of the community, but today York police are speaking out in a bid to reassure residents that stalking, although consistently in the headlines, is an unusual occurrence.

Sgt Colin Ventress, of York police, said although the incident was being treated seriously, it had to be kept in perspective and that stalking was not commonplace in York.

He said: "This type of incident is not a common occurrence reported to the police. It does need to be kept in perspective.

"Obviously, the community need to know about what has happened to this child. But we do not want to create alarm and despondency," he said.

Police do recommend some basic tips to keep yourself or your child safe:

* Don't walk alone at night in dark or secluded areas, and always follow well-lit routes

* Don't let children use routes home from school that are quiet

* Walk with friends or classmates where possible

* Don't talk to any strangers

* If you're going out at night try to arrange a lift from someone you know

* Scream and make as much noise as possible if a stranger approaches you or tries to threaten you

* Carry a small safety alarm, if possible.

Updated: 13:39 Friday, April 06, 2001