Police patrols were launched across a town at the weekend after a double child abduction attempt took the total this month to eight.

A white van approached two eight-year-old girls outside Thompsons' Store, at the junction of Thompson Street West and Bowman Street, in Darlington shortly before 6pm on Saturday. The youngsters were asked to come closer by a man inside.

The mother of one of the girls was in the shop and realised what was happening. She ran outside, causing the van to speed off.

The latest incident in the north of the town this month is the first to happen on an evening or on a weekend.

The previous attempts have all involved children on their way to school.

The two girls in the latest incident are the youngest reported targets.

Police launched patrols and surveillance in the area on Saturday night, and are examining security cameras for new leads.

They have pledged to increase police presence throughout the week in the light of the latest incident.

After the first abduction attempts were reported on June 6, beat patrols on several main school routes were launched across the town and surrounding villages. They have continued.

The first reported attempts took place three weeks ago off Haughton Road, on an area known locally as the Black Path. Three took place on June 10, in Rockwell Avenue, Whinbush Way, and on the railway bridge in Thompson Street East.

Another attempt was reported later that week in the same area of town. The exact location is not known.

The Northern Echo also revealed how, after a two-week gap, a 12-year-old boy was approached by a white van last Thursday in Camborne Drive.

Each abduction attempt has involved a white van, and police are appealing for information.

Anyone with information about any of the incidents, or any sightings of a white van acting suspiciously, is asked to contact Darlington police on 0845 606 0365