THE seventh attempted abduction of a Darlington child this month was reported yesterday, prompting police to renew appeals for information about a white van thought to be involved.

A 12-year-old boy was approached by a man in a small white van in Camborne Drive at about 8.30am, and was asked to come closer to give directions. Fearing for his safety, the boy ran off.

Police were alerted when the boy, a pupil at Longfield School, told staff what had happened. They recognised the similarities with six previous incidents - all in the north of the town - and raised the alarm.

All seven incidents have involved a man in a white van pursuing children on their way to school - the first six occurred in the same week, between June 6 and June 10. Three took place in one day.

Two attempts were made off Haughton Road, on a route known locally as the Black Path, and others were reported in Rockwell Avenue, Whinbush Way and on Thompson Street railway bridge. Another incident was reported nearby.

Police increased patrols around schools and officers have maintained a presence for more than two weeks as children go to and from school.

Headteachers have declared the situation "worrying," and are liaising to decide what action to take. Safety messages have been issued to pupils in schools across Darlington and in neighbouring villages, and parents have been informed. Police have urged parents and children to be vigilant.

Calvin Kipling, deputy headteacher at Longfield School, said the latest incident distressed the boy, a year seven pupil.

"The incident had enough characteristics similar enough to the other incidents for it to concern members of staff," he said. "We have given warnings out in school, and everyone here is fully aware of what has been happening.

"They know not to get into the van, to stay away, to remember as much information about the incident as they can, and to tell the teachers when they get here. The pupil in this case did everything correctly."

Police have no clear description of the van or the driver, but say they have to regard the seven incidents as linked.

Accounts of the incidents have included children being shouted at and chased, being asked to approach the van, and being asked to get in.

However, a series of similar incidents in Hartlepool on Tuesday, involving four girls aged ten, 13, 14 and 17, are not being linked to the Darlington investigation at this stage, police said.

They also ruled out a connection between a suspected abduction attempt near Bracks Farm, off the A688, on June 11.

Inspector Alan Watson, of Durham Police, urged people to help piece together a clearer picture of the vehicle involved.

"If anyone approaches children in vehicles, or people get out of vehicles, then people are right to be suspicious," he said.

"We would urge everyone to be suspicious, be vigilant. If anyone is in a position where something is suspicious to them, then they should report it.

"We would ask parents, teachers, staff to encourage children to pick up as much information as they can in these situations, to help us identify these vans. Whether they have broken lights or a roof rack can be very important information.

"We would also urge people to report these incidents as early as possible. It makes it much easier for police to respond with a small time gap."

Anyone with information about the incidents, or the driver of a white van acting suspiciously, is asked to call 0845 606 0365.