Police are investigating a report that two girls, aged nine and 10, were approached by two men in a car in Tanterton.
AdvertisementLancashire Police are appealing for information after the two schoolgirls were approached on Monday 7 October shortly before 7.30pm.
The incident took place on Marlfield Close.
Two men, described as Asian, approached in a silver estate car – possibly a Renault or Peugeot. They asked the girls to get in the car.
The driver is described as a “chubby older man” by police, and wa dressed in black clothing. He had short dair hair and a goatee beard.
Police have also revealed details of another incident in June when a nine-year-old girl and a six-year-old girl were approached on Barry Avenue, Ingol, by a man and asked to get into a car.
He was described as an Asian male in his 30s, slim build, small in height, peaked hat, black hoody and blue trousers. The car was described as a small blue or purple car.
Det Insp Warren Atkinson, of Preston Police, said: “We are keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have seen any of the above incidents or who has any information about them.
“We understand that people may be alarmed and concerned about these incidents and we would like to reassure people that we take reports like this seriously and that they are being thoroughly investigated. Neighbourhood policing officers have been, and will continue to be, in contact with people in the area, and parents are reminded to be vigilant at all times.
“If any youngsters are approached by someone they don’t know and asked to get in to a car then they should go home or to a public place and report it.
“As is sometimes the case when people start to talk about such incidents on social media, stories are confused and added to as they are passed on, without any malicious intent, and after the story has been retold a few times it can become exaggerated. It is really important that people report first hand instances of suspicious behaviour and to try and avoid repeating gossip and third hand information.”
Police say the incidents are not linked at this stage.
If you have any information about these incidents please call police on 101. Always ring 999 in an emergency.