POLICE are reinforcing their warning to parents to be on the alert after receiving a report of a second attempted child abduction.

As a result of an appeal for information regarding an attempted snatch of a 12-year-old boy in Linden Road, Brotton, east Cleveland, last Wednesday, a similar incident involving two girls has been reported.

It happened at 11am on Friday, when the 12-year-old pals were walking along Brotton High Street.

A man got out of his car and made a brief attempt to pursue them, leaving them very upset.

Police are keen to trace any witnesses to the incident, and are warning parents in the area to be extra vigilant over their children's safety.

A police spokesman said: "We are keen to trace any witnesses and to further remind all parents to reinforce the importance of refusing any approaches from strangers to their children."

Police believe the same vehicle, described as red, G-registered, possibly with a rear spoiler and with stickers in the rear window, was used in both incidents.

They are urging anyone with information on its whereabouts, or that of its driver, who is aged about 30, with brown or dark hair, facial hair, and possibly wearing glasses, to get in touch.

Any information should be reported to acting Detective Sergeant Nick Owen, of east Cleveland CID, on (01642) 302634.