A MAJOR investigation has been launched after a group of men allegedly attempted to entice two nine-year-old boys into a car at a remote spot.

North Yorkshire Police said it had been making "extensive inquiries" following the incident near the Flask Inn, off the A171 Whitby to Scarborough road, between 4.30pm and 4.48pm on Sunday.

The boys, who were playing on their bikes at the site near Robin Hood's Bay, said they were approached by two men who remained inside a navy blue Audi Tdi saloon car, while another two men asked about accommodation at the nearby caravan park.

The boys told officers the men, who they described as Asian and aged in their 20s to 30s, encouraged them towards the car with a view to have their photographs taken. One of the men, who was wearing a red coat, allegedly put his arm around one of the boys.

At this point the youngsters rode off and reported the incident to their parents. The police were called immediately.

The four men drove off in the direction of Whitby.

A police spokesman said detectives had attempted to track the vehicle and its occupants down, but they had not yet been found.

Police are supporting the boys and their families while officers continue to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

CCTV footage has been released of the two men who enquired about the accommodation to assist this effort.

PC Michael Jamalizadeh, from Whitby Police, said: "This incident is clearly a cause for concern and we are doing everything we can to investigate the circumstances, trace the men and car involved, and provide reassurance in the local community.

"If there is an innocent explanation about what occurred, then it is vital that the four men in the navy blue Audi A4 saloon car come forward without delay.

"I also urge anyone with information that could assist our enquiries to contact the police or Crimestoppers as soon as possible."

Anyone with information should call police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555111.