Video: Van in abduction attempt on girl, 7

The girl managed to escape by kicking and running away.

Police are appealing for witnesses and have identified a man they want to speak to over the incident.

West Yorkshire Police officers say they are investigating two other attempted abductions in the Calderdale area, one of which featured a similar-looking man and vehicle.

In the Mixenden incident, the man is said to have approached the girl in a white van and took hold of her, saying she was going with him. She kicked him and ran away.

The man officers want to speak to in connection with the incident is described as Asian, aged 30 to 40 and wearing navy blue Adidas beanie hat and black tracksuit with stubble and a pierced lip.

In another incident two 13-year-old girls were approached while walking along Pellon Lane, Halifax by a male of similar description in a similar-looking car. He asked them to get in the van but did not try to physically force them in.

Allegations about other attempted abductions are said to be circulating on social media. In one incident on Edwards Road, Sowerby Bridge, on September 17, a girl ran home screaming after being approached by a man in a dark-coloured van who asked her: “Do you want to come into the back of my van?”

Superintendent Martin Lister of Calderdale Police, said: “I am appealing directly to anyone who witnessed any of these incidents to contact police straight away.

“Obviously people are concerned about the seriousness of these incidents and local neighbourhood policing team officers are increasing patrols in the area to not only provide a visible and reassuring presence to the community but also to look for the person or people responsible.

“I would ask people to remain vigilant and alert but not to be alarmed as police and partners are dealing with these allegations. I would also ask that people help police and partners to investigate these incidents and any witnesses are asked to contact police on 101.”