TWO young girls have told police a man approached them - one saying she was carried off for a short distance.

A six-year-old girl told how she was approached by a man at around 12.30pm on Sunday, September 13 on a grassed area on Pope Grove, Hartlepool.

"The man is alleged to have picked up the girl, who was out riding a bicycle at the time, and carried her for a short distance before putting her back down on the ground," said a spokeswoman for Cleveland Police.

"The suspect is described as a white male, around 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins tall, of slim build with short, mousey hair and wearing a red zip-up jacket and blue jeans.

A further incident was reported to police on the evening of Monday, September 14.

"At around 7.45pm a nine-year-old girl was again approached by a male on Pope Grove. He spoke to the girl and then left the area," said the spokeswoman.

"The male is described as having blond curly hair, wearing navy jeans and a black fur type waist length coat.

"Officers are linking both incidents at this time due to their locations."

Extensive house to house enquiries have been carried out and extra patrols have been conducted in the area.

Anyone who may have information regarding either incident or the identity of the suspect is asked to contact the Major Crime Team on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.