PARENTS have been warned to be on their guard after a spate of child abduction attempts.

Detectives are hunting a dangerous would-be child snatcher thought to be responsible for a string of incidents in the East Cleveland and Whitby area.

The eight cases, all in the last five weeks, involve boys and girls aged between eight and 16 years. In each incident a man in a red car, possibly a Ford Escort, tried to entice them into his vehicle.

Although the man failed to get the children into his car, they were left distressed and badly shaken.

The first incident happened in Lazenby on October 17, when a 16-year-old boy, who looks much younger, was approached by a man. On October 18, a 12-year-old was approached in Brotton. He was offered money but ran home.

On October 19, a man approached a 14-year-old girl in The Avenue, Nunthorp, and on the following day a man in a red car followed two 11-year-old girls along the High Street, Brotton.

Three days later, also in Brotton, an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man in Laburnum Road and on October 28 a nine-year-old girl was followed by a man along Severn Road, Skelton.

In Whitby, on November 5, an eight-year-old girl and her friend were approached by a man in a red car and police are still investigating another incident in East Cleveland on November 13.

The man is said to be white, in his 30s or 40s, with a beard and possibly with front teeth missing or uneven. Detectives believe he lives in East Cleveland or North Yorkshire because he has local knowledge and a local accent.

DC Paul Brown, of Cleveland Police, appealed to parents and children in the area to be vigilant. Anyone with information is urged to call (01642) 302626