POLICE have now closed their investigation into an incident in Middlesbrough yesterday - where a girl was said to have got into a car reluctantly with a man whose behaviour was described as suspicious.

Detective Chief Inspector Peter Carr said: “The report we received was concern for a child’s welfare and after following a number of lines of enquiry we are satisfied that a child has not come to harm.

“The report was made in good faith but we now know the circumstances were not as they appeared.

“Keeping children safe is a key police priority and we must thoroughly investigate any circumstances in which a child appears to be at risk.

“We are grateful to everyone who responded to our appeal. We continue to encourage anyone who is concerned about the immediate welfare of a child to share their concerns.”