POLICE are appealing for witnesses following reports of a suspicious vehicle in Bewdley on Tuesday afternoon (December 5).

Officers from West Mercia Police were called to Merricks Lane, in Bewdley, between 3.15pm and 3.45pm on Tuesday, to a report of a suspicious black van in the area.

Two boys were walking together when a man is reported to have stopped in a black van, at the junction with Oakwood Road, and spoke to them from his vehicle. 

The boys ran off in the direction of Cleobury Road, while the van is reported to have driven off down Cleobury Road, in the opposite direction towards Bewdley. 

The man did not attempt to get out of the van, and the boys returned home safely. 

Detective Sergeant Ed Slough, of West Mercia Police, said: "We treat all reports of this nature seriously and it was an understandably upsetting experience for the victims.

"Investigations are currently ongoing and patrols have been increased in the area to provide reassurance for the community.

"We are keen to identify the vehicle, described as an old black van with damage to the front that included a broken or missing registration plate, and the driver, who was described as a black man, bald and around 40-years-old."

He added: "I would also encourage parents to speak with their children about talking to strangers and reminding them to never go off with anyone they do not know, get into a vehicle or accept gifts off a stranger."

Anyone with information or saw the van in the area, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident reference number 453S of December 5.

Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.