POLICE are hunting a pervert photographer who has targeted a Chippenham primary school three times in a month.

Children at Charter Primary School have spotted the mystery snapper looking into the playground on three occasions taking photos of them as they play.

Police launched surveillance operations at the school with teachers put on full alert after the first incident two weeks ago.

The revelations come just two months after Trowbridge CID launched an investigation into a suspected sex-pest hanging around schools in west Wiltshire.

Parents were sent a newsletter before the Easter break informing them of the incidents.

Many are still worried for the safety of their children but police have assured them the investigations will continue.

Father-of-three Phil England, of Drake Crescent, said his three daughters knew about the stranger outside their primary school.

He said: "The children knew about the man and told us he had been outside taking pictures of them.

"I am glad the school has taken action, it's right that they do.

"It is every parent's worst nightmare.

"You never know whether to believe what the children are saying but this time there appears to be something to it."

Teachers at the 347-pupil school in Wood Lane, which is just yards away from the town police station, were told to be on their guard as police tried to trap the suspect.

Beat officer Cheri Wright, of Chippenham police, visited the school earlier this year to warn pupils about stranger danger.

She said: "We think he has been taking photos on three separate occasions.

"The investigation is still being carried out and we are linking closely with the school.

"The information came from children who spotted him looking into the playground.

"It is difficult to gauge the problem as children can exaggerate.

"This is very worrying for staff and parents which is why we have taken the matter seriously. We are looking at cases in west Wiltshire too.

"It is important now to get good descriptions."

"It was important to let people know what was going on as children start to make up stories which are not true. Some were going home to tell their parents someone was going to kidnap or murder them.

"The trouble is, taking pictures is not illegal but we are looking at it as being more than that. It could be just an innocent thing."