PARENTS in Chorley have been told to ensure their children are safe travelling to and from school after reports of three attempted child abductions.

Police officers are investigating reports of suspicious activity, one on Preston Road in Chorley, one in Beaconsfield Terrace in Chorley and one near to Cloverfield in Clayton le Woods where schoolchildren, both boys and girls, have apparently been approached by men in cars.

They have either been offered a lift or have been asked for directions. Although none of the children were hurt, they have been left shaken by their experience.

Inspector Dave Robinson from Chorley Police said: “Understandably the public are going to be alarmed and concerned by these reports and further by rumours circulating on social media sites and we are doing our best to reassure our local communities that we are doing all we can.

“Our priority at the moment is to establish the exact circumstances around each of the reports that have been made to us so far.

“I would reassure the public that we have a team of officers looking into this matter and patrols have been stepped up.”

Anyone with concerns should contact the Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01257 246225.