A POLICE alert warning pupils after some raised alarm about social media requests seeking friendship, which may have come from so-called Islamic State, has been withdrawn.

Hampshire Constabulary was contacted last week by education establishments and young people, who were suspicious about ‘friend’ requests from people with “unusual” names and displaying “funny” symbols.

A statement issued via its Hampshire Alert system stated: “In response to this information, safeguarding young and vulnerable people is our priority; raising awareness of the matter both directly, and through parents, carers and relevant professionals.

“Our advice is to make young and vulnerable people aware of this risk; speak to them, reassure them that they can speak to you, and warn them not to accept friend requests from any person they don’t know, particularly from those who appear to be linked to extremist groups.”

But on Tuesday, a police spokesman admitted it was “probably not” IS members contacting children.