A wanted paedophile is believed to be staying in the Oban area.
Several schools were put on alert when police visited to warn teachers to look out for Paul Vernon, 58, who befriends single mums so that he can molest their children.
Former Royal Navy submariner Vernon – jailed for five-and-a-half years for sex attacks on a child – is believed to be targeting schools in Argyll.
This week school staff in Oban, Dunoo and Helensburgh were urgently briefed by police about Vernon, then asked to sign a document confirming they had seen his photo.
Officers said Vernon was wanted and told staff to call 999 if they saw him in or around their school but referred to him as a “missing person”.
He may know the area, home to Faslane naval base, from his time in the Navy.
Vernon, of Redditch, Worcestershire, is on the run after breaching his probation and may be wild camping or staying in a B&B in Oban, police in England believe.
Police warned staff Vernon may use a fake name and is known to target single mums with daughters aged eight or nine.
In 2010, Vernon was jailed for five-and-a-half years for molesting a girl and having sex in front of her. He has been recalled to prison for breach of probation.
A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Our officers are assisting West Mercia Police in locating and apprehending a man wanted in connection with breaching a protection order in England.
“It is understood he may be staying in the Oban area. There is nothing to suggest he is an immediate risk.
“We continue to work closely with Argyll and Bute Council and West Mercia Police and inquiries are ongoing.”