POLICE have urged communities to remain calm following concerns over the attempted abduction of schoolchildren in areas of Denbighshire and Conwy.
DCI Steve Williams said an investigation is underway into an incident that occurred in the Rhyl area on Tuesday, June 29 when a 15 year-old schoolgirl was assaulted by an unknown male.
“This incident is clearly of great concern, but I would like to stress that there was no attempt to entice the victim or physically force her into any vehicle," he said. “The victim was not injured.
“We are also alive to the fact that there have been reported sightings of a suspicious male in a white van in the vicinity of schools in the Denbighshire and Flintshire areas in June.
“Enquiries underway and again I can stress that there was no attempt to engage or approach any children.
“I understand that several schools have sent letters home with pupils asking parents and pupils to be careful and I am grateful to the schools for their positive action and assistance.”
A spokeswoman for Denbighshire County Council said: “The council advised schools that there had been reports of isolated incidents in north Denbighshire and about some rumours circulating on social networking sites and in local communities.
“We have been reassured by police that the majority of reports have turned out to be false, but with an isolated reported incident in the Rhyl area still under investigation, we informed all schools this week to review staffing levels at key times of the school day and inform parents to be vigilant.”
North Wales Police appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this specific incident on Millbank Road, Rhyl to contact them 0845 6071001 (Welsh) or 0845 6071002 (English) or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111