POLICE are warning young women to be on their guard after two attempted abductions of 16-year-olds.

The incidents happened in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, in the early hours of Friday.

One of the teenagers was standing beside the phone box and bench in Rossett Green Lane at 1am when a man got out of a car and grabbed her.

She managed to get away and reached home unharmed and later told police the man was in a small white car.

About 15 minutes later, another 16-year-old was approached by a man outside the post office in Rossett Green Lane. He asked her for the time, but she ran off.

Police believe it was the same man. He was driving an old box- shaped white car and was described as white, about 5ft 10in, with very short balding hair and in his late 30s or early 40s. He was wearing a black top and had a mild local accent.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "Incidents like this are rare, but we would advise those out late at night, specifically young women, to consider carefully how they are going to get home.

"We recommend lifts with someone you know, or a taxi, or walking home with friends."

The spokesman appealed for witnesses, or anyone with information about the man, to call them on (01423) 539334.