Hunt for 'unknown man' who asked 11-year-old girl to get into his van

An 11-year-old girl was walking to school when an unknown man stopped and asked her to get into his van.

The girl ran away from the man towards the school and the incident was reported to police. It occurred at the traffic lights on the B1365 junction with Stainton Way in Hemlington, Middlesbrough, at approximately 8am on Wednesday, November 20. The man is described as aged between 30 to 40 years old.

Officers have described the man's behaviour as "suspicious" and are appealing to motorists, or anyone who may have been in the area at the time, and has information or dash cam footage to help the investigation.

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PC Ian Pinchen, from Middlesbrough Police Station, said: “Thankfully the girl is safe, and she did the right thing by not engaging with the man and informing her parents who rightly reported it to police.

“While we are conducting numerous enquiries to identify the man, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone who may have seen the incident take place or have information or dash cam footage that could help with our investigation to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Information can be provided by calling Cleveland Police on 101 quoting reference number 221862 or visiting the website. You can also provide information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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