Attempted child abduction
A 13-year-old girl was approached by two men in a white van in Clotherholme Road, Ripon at around 3.15pm Google Streetview

Four people have been arrested following reports that a 13-year-old girl was approached by two men in a white van in North Yorkshire. Police were called to the scene of the incident in Clotherholme Road, Ripon at around 3.15pm on Thursday (17 September) after receiving a report.

An hour later, police searching the area stopped a white Ford Transit van on the A61. Four men in the vehicle, aged 36, 26, 22 and 20 and from the West Yorkshire area, were arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap and conspiracy to kidnap. They remain in custody.

Police are investigating whether the incident is linked to a separate report involving a 10-year-old boy on Lead Lane, also in Ripon, on Saturday (12 September).

Patrols in the area have been increased to reassure the local community. Intensive enquiries are ongoing into both incidents.

Anyone with information about either incident is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, selecting option 2 and ask for Harrogate Serious Crime Team.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.