PARENTS in Rossendale have been reassured by police that rumours of a man trying to entice children into his car are unfounded.

It follows a letter sent out by the headteacher of a Bacup school warning people to be vigilant.

The letter from Mrs Alison Edgar, head of Thorn Primary School, said: “Dear Parents, it has been brought to my attention that a man driving a green car has attempted to entice girls into his car.

“This has happened during the evening on more than one occasion.

“This letter is for your information to make you aware and ensure your vigilance.”

A parent also posted a message on Facebook claiming a man had tried to entice children into his car with sweets.

Inspector Paul Leigh, of Rossendale Police, said: “The school received an email from another school, no first-hand information, referring to an incident in Stacksteads a couple of weeks ago, in September, regarding a green vehicle.

“Somebody was concerned that the gentleman was taking pictures of children for an untoward reason.

“However the person in question was a regular visitor to the area and had witnessed some children committing criminal damage at the site.

“He told the children he would report the incident to police and took pictures as evidence.

“We investigated allegations by speaking to the children and the man in question and found there was no predatory element to that event.

“I would like to reassure parents that we are aware of further things being put on social media.

“The last thing we want is that man or any other man in a green car to be targeted because of this.

“We would ask if they are suspicious to contact the police and don’t take matters into their own hands. "We will fully investigate any claims.”

In June schools in Rossendale asked parents and pupils to be alert after a girl reported she had been approached by a man in a distinctive green car.