Harlow: Attempted Child Abduction Investigation

3 April 2012, 05:46 | Updated: 3 April 2012, 05:49

Essex police are investigating an attempted abduction of a five-year-old girl in Harlow.

On Sunday afternoon (April 1st) a man got out of a white van and held the young child's arm who was in a garden in Broomfield.

He then left when the girl's older sister arrived.

Previously police have issued a warning in February when two groups of young girls had concerns about the driver of a white van who had stopped and spoke with them.

Officers have increased patrols in the area and are urging parents to keep a closer eye on their children.

Supt Luke Collision said: "While this appears to be a worrying incident, I want to reassure the public that Essex Police are doing everything possible to trace those involved.

"I would urge parents to keep a close eye on their children and remind them about not speaking to strangers. Anyone who has concerns about any suspicious behaviour should immediately ring police on 999."

If anyone notices any suspicious behaviour, especially involving a white transit style van, they should immediately call police on 999.