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Hunt for van driver after youngsters approached
POLICE are warning parents and youngsters to be vigilant after a van driver twice approached children asking them if they wanted a lift.
The incidents happened on Wednesday in Catcote Road and Clifton Avenue, both in Hartlepool.
The first incident saw a man driving a white van pull up alongside two children in the Catcote Road area, at around 7.55am, and offer them a lift.
The man, who is described as white and aged between 40-45 with a North-East accent, did not leave the vehicle.
The youngsters declined his offer and went on to report the incident to their parents who in turn got in touch with police.
Later on the same day a similar request was made to more youngsters, by a man fitting the same description in the Clifton Avenue area, at around 4.15pm.
The vehicle has been described as a small white van, without markings or logos on it and with the rear windows blacked out.
Acting Inspector Barry Plumpton, of Hartlepool Police, said: "This person we are looking for may have an explanation into his actions, and if that is the case then we would ask him to come forward and allow us to eliminate him from our inquiry.
"Until that happens, we are taking these incidents very seriously.
"We regularly get the message out through ourselves and other partners for youngsters of any age not to accept lifts from strangers.
"In both incidents on Wednesday, it is encouraging that the children involved did not get in the van and they remained level-headed. In the meantime, we would encourage parents and schools to repeat the message."
Anyone with any information which could help the police with their inquiry is asked to contact Hartlepool Police on (01642) 302126.
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Weather for Hartlepool
Sunday 27 May 2012
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Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
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