Hunt for man who ‘tried to lure two young girls into his van’

A manhunt is underway after a man reportedly attempted to lure two young girls into his van.

The ‘incredibly concerning’ incidents took place on separate days earlier this week in Bolton, Greater Manchester.

A 10-year-old girl was approached by a man driving a white van in Broadford Road at about 3.20pm on Wednesday. He tried to persuade her to get in the vehicle.

The next day a man in a white van attempted the same thing with a nine-year-old girl at around 3.30pm in nearby Armadale Road.

Both girls ran away and raised the alarm.

The man has been described as Asian, with a bald head and facial hair, who was wearing a high-vis jacket and black trousers.

Detective sergeant Robert Parker from Greater Manchester Police said: ‘These are two incredibly concerning incidents, and thankfully, in both cases, neither of the children were persuaded to go with this man.

‘I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to find this man and have increased patrols in the area whilst we investigate these incidents. If you have any concerns at all please do speak to our officers.

‘We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents or seen a man who fits this description driving a white van in the area. If you have seen anything suspicious at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.’

Anyone with any information should contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.

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