POLICE are investigating four suspicious incidents where youngsters have been approached by strangers in the Stanley area.

Officers have said calls from concerned parents have increased in the last fortnight.

Sergeant Dave Clarke said: “We are keeping an open mind while investigating the incidents, aware that there may be innocent explanations for each case while not discounting the possibility of more sinister motives.”

On August 16, a ten-year-old girl said she was approached by a white van, possible from a cleaning company, in Aberfoyle Court, East Stanley, and the driver signalled her over but she said ‘no’ and ran off.

The driver is described as a white male, aged 28-32, with dark hair, longer on top and shorter on the sides. He was wearing a top with a skull on it.

A week later, at around tea time, a five-year-old girl and her friend were near the railway line at Annfield Plain when they said that a male came out of the bushes and asked them ‘do you want to come and visit me’.

They reported this to a parent who stated that the man was still in the area walking away when she attended. He was described as a black male, wearing dark tracksuit bottoms, blue T-shirt and jacket.

Over the weekend two cases were reported at View Lane Park, Shield Row, where children have described a potential abductor in a white van and ‘rustling bushes’ with people speaking from within.

Sgt Clarke said: “These incidents are currently being investigated by officers and no further details are available at this time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt Clarke 101.