POLICE in Mirfield are investigating a number of leads after receiving reports of van drivers acting suspiciously near to Mirfield schools last week.

Insp Jenny Thompson of Dewsbury and Mirfield Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT), said: “We are taking these allegations extremely seriously as they are affecting young people across north Kirklees.

“We need to get to the bottom of what is taking place and ensure we keep children safe.

“We want to stress that despite a lot of rumour, no actual criminal offences have been found to have taken place. No children have been harmed and there have been no abductions or assaults.

“A number of reports, while made in good faith, have turned out not to be suspicious.”

She said officers were working with schools and extra patrols have been taking place

She added: “Officers are carrying out stop-checks of vans and are speaking to drivers.

“We therefore do not want people to take matters into their own hands or not report concerns to the police as this risks compromising our work.”

The incidents involve white vans, possibly Volkswagens or flat-backs.

The Examiner reported last week that a 13-year-old girl was followed by a white van along Lee Green five times. On three occasions, two men inside the van got out and tried to persuade her to get inside.

Descriptions of the vehicles and occupants varies.

Contact police via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If anyone sees a crime taking place, people should call 999.

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