An 11-year-old schoolgirl was asked to get into a van by an unknown man on the way to school - sparking a police investigation.

The incident took place near Hemlington, Middlesbrough, at the traffic lights on the B1365 junction with Stainton Way, when the girl was walking to school. 

The unknown man - described as aged between 30 to 40-years-old - stopped the girl and asked her to get in his van, prompting her to run away towards the school. 

The incident, which took place around 8am on Wednesday, November 20, was then reported to Cleveland Police.

Officers are appealing to motorists or anyone who may have been in the area at the time and has information or dash cam footage that could assist the investigation to get in touch.

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.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo with a digital subscription. Click here.

“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.