POLICE were patrolling school routes across Darlington yesterday morning after it emerged that as many as six child abduction attempts may have been made in the past week.

Schools in the town have been put on alert after several reports of a man in a white van pursuing children. Headteachers have declared the situation "worrying," and have issued warnings to parents and children.

The Northern Echo revealed earlier in the week how two children - an 11-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl - had been approached in separate incidents in the Haughton Road area of the town, on a route known locally as the Black Path.

A man was said to have shouted at the children to come over, and when they refused, he got out of the van and chased them. Both youngsters managed to outrun him, leaving them shocked but unhurt.

Police have now received reports of similar, and possibly linked, incidents involving a white van at three other sites in the north of Darlington - Rockwell Avenue, Whinbush Way, and Thompson Street railway bridge. Police are looking at one other incident, but the location is unknown.

It is believed there may have been three possible abduction attempts on Thursday alone.

Police patrols have been stepped up in school areas, and beat officers covered several routes around schools yesterday morning.

Inspector Alan Davidson, of Durham Police, said since the two reports near Gurney Pease Primary School on Monday and Tuesday mornings, there could have been at least four more linked incidents.

"We were sufficiently concerned by these events to send beat officers round school routes," he said. "What gives us particular cause for concern is the fact that a white van has been mentioned each time.

"These incidents are being treated very seriously and we would urge parents to be vigilant."

Headteachers said they were extremely concerned about the reports, and were in regular touch with fellow principals about how to deal with the alert.

Clare Taylor, headteacher of St Bede's RC Primary School, said safety messages have been given to their pupils.

"Everything like this is always worrying, and we have issued warnings," she said. "We have good relations with our community police and beat officers, who have been patrolling up and down outside our school regularly.

"We have an agreement between schools in Darlington where we consult each other following any incident, so we have a good partnership and system of security in place.

"For all of us, being safe is the first priority, and at St Bede's we've made sure all the children know that."

Sheila Williams, headteacher of Whinfield Primary School, said letters were sent out yesterday to parents warning them of the possible danger, and all children have been warned.

Sandra Battensby, headteacher of Gurney Pease Primary School, sent letters to parents on Tuesday alerting them after the first two abduction attempts. She told The Northern Echo it was "extremely worrying".

Darlington Borough Council has met school staff and police to assess the situation and decide on what safety steps to take.

A council spokeswoman said: "Clearly this is a very serious matter and we are in contact with the police.

"We would ask all parents to be vigilant, and it is important that all children do not talk to strangers and do not accept lifts from strangers. Children should tell someone immediately if someone does approach them."

Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call 0845 606 0365.