Police probe attempted abductions by man in white van

In the Halifax incident on Tuesday, a man approached two 13-year-old girls who were walking along Pellon Lane at 7.10pm and asked them to get into the van but did not make any physical attempt to make them do so.

A man officers want to speak to about the incident is described as Asian, aged in his mid 20s who was wearing a navy blue Adidas beanie hat and a black tracksuit. He had stubble and a pierced lip.

Police are looking at the possibility of a link between the incident and an attempted abduction of a seven-year-old girl in Mixenden that day in which a girl was approached by a man, matching the same description, in a white van shortly before 6pm.

He took hold of the girl and told her she was going with him but the child managed to kick him and run away.

Officers say they are also aware of rumours circulating via social media about other allegations of attempted abductions in the Calderdale area.

Police are also investigating an incident involving an eight-year-old girl on September 17 in Edwards Road, Sowerby Bridge.

The girl was approached by a man in a dark van who asked her: “Do you want to come into the back of my van?” The girl ran home, screaming.

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

Any witnesses or anyone who recognises the description of the suspect is asked to contact police on the non-emergency number 101.

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