POLICE are hunting a man they believe may be responsible for the attempted abductions of two young girls and the sexual assault and robbery of a 12-year-old girl

Cleveland Police are investigating after two girls separately reported being asked by a man to get into his vehicle in the Hardwick area of Stockton.  He drove off when they refused.

They were targeted by a man driving a silver car with dark windows of a similar size to a VW Golf or Ford Focus. The first incident took place on Thursday October 18 and the second on Monday October 22.  

Police believe the two incidents, involving girls aged around 11 or 12, may be linked to the robbery and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl that took place on common land near to Chadwick Walk on Tuesday October 23 at around 4.30pm.

Detective Sergeant Chris Barker of Stockton CID said “We have a team of detectives investigating the three incidents and we are taking them extremely seriously.

“These reports will be concerning to the local community, but I would ask residents not to panic, but be vigilant and report anything suspicious to police. We are doing everything possible to find those responsible - including extra patrols in the local area.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.