TWO men have been arrested after an alleged attempted child abduction in North Yorkshire.

Police say the arrests were in connection with an incident on Half Crown Way, Knaresborough, where three girls were approached by two men driving a silver van at around 5pm on Monday.

The girls, aged between 10 and 12, were left shaken but were not hurt during the incident and managed to leave the scene and sought help from a local resident who contacted police.

A 19-year-old man and a 46-year-old man were arrested a short time later in the Shipley area of Bradford on suspicion of attempted kidnap.

Detective Sergeant Paul Schofield who is investigating, said: “I understand news of this incident will send shockwaves through the local community, but I hope the quick arrests of two men will go some way to reassure that we are treating this incident seriously, and we will carry out a thorough investigation into the incident.

“I would like to praise the girls for their quick thinking which not only got them away from the scene but also provided officers with information vital to this investigation.

“I would also like to thank the local residents who came to the aid of the girls following the incident and contacted police.”

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12190044299. Alternatively information can be passed to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.