POLICE are urging residents to be vigilant after reports of a white van driver being involved in attempts to abduct pedestrians.

The Greater Manchester Police Leigh, Atherton and Hindley Facebook page says that there have been reports locally of a white van driver "acting in suspicious circumstances" and attempts to abduct pedestrians.

Officers say the matters are currently under investigation and that similar reports are being mirrored across the whole of Greater Manchester.

Officers stress that no person has been abducted but urge people to be vigilant.

Police added: "In addition to this across social media there is a massive amount of information being shared about such activity - a lot of which is not being reported to the police.

"It is important to note that there are thousands of white vans in use across our communities and that the vast majority of these are involved in normal work and leisure activities and should not be viewed with suspicion simply because of the type of vehicle they are.

"Should your suspicions be raised please contact the police and allow us to take appropriate action rather than taking matters into your own hands."

Key advice issued includes:

  • Remain vigilant at all times and please report any suspicious activity to the police - we can't act if we don't know about it.
  • If possible make sure family and/or friends are with you when you are making journeys on foot. When this is not possible make sure that you keep in touch with friends or family to let them know when you have arrived safely at your destination.
  • Remain conscious of your surroundings and try to avoid being distracted by your phone/listening to music etc.