POLICE have stepped up patrols in a city after reports of an attempted child abduction.

North Yorkshire Police said it had been alerted to a van driver having tried to order a ten-year-old boy to get in his vehicle. in Lead Lane, Ripon, at 3.50pm on Saturday.

The boy, who had been walking along the pavement, refused, before running away and telling his mother about the incident.

The van is described as a white Transit van, with dents and some rust, with three men inside.

A police spokesman said, “We understand that a report of this nature would cause concern in the local area and we have increased patrols locally to provide reassurance to our communities.

"Incidents of child abduction are thankfully rare and we are continuing the investigation to confirm the circumstances surrounding the incident."

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has seen similar a van in the Lead Lane area of Ripon should police on 101, press option 1 and pass information on to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 12150161053.