POLICE are investigating a report that a 14-year-old girl was the victim of an attempted abduction as she walked home from school.

Officers are looking into a report of suspicious activity where a child reported being approached by a group of men in a car.

The incident happened at about 4pm on Atlas Street in Clayton-le-Moors when a girl said she had been approached by the men.

The girl ran off and later reported the incident.

A spokesperson for the police said: "We understand that people are going to be alarmed and concerned and we would like to reassure people that we take all reports like this seriously and it is being thoroughly investigated.

"Officers have been, and will continue to be, in contact with people in the area, and parents are reminded to be vigilant at all times."

"As is sometimes the case when people start to talk about such incidents, stories are confused and added to as they are passed on, without any malicious intent, and after the story has been retold a few times it can become exaggerated.

"People need to be wary of misinformation which is often provided by channels other than Police."

Yesterday evening, the Hollins School in Accrington put a post on social media saying that it had received reports of the incident.

The school also sent a message out to pupils to inform them of the incident and remind them to be safe.

A message sent pupils from teachers at the Hollins, which has been shared with the Lancashire Telegraph said: "We are just letting you know that tonight at about 3.40pm a girl from another local high school was approached by three white males in a small silver car.

"One of them got out of the car and went to grab her but fortunately she got away.

"Obviously the police are now involved and have asked us to inform as many young people as possible in the local area."