Police have issued a warning to people in Blackwood to be on their guard after reports of strangers approaching young girls.
Three nine-year-olds were approached by three men as they walked through the public park on Libanus Road at about3.35pm on Tuesday July 31.
The men, in a large red van, were described as being in their late teens or early 20s. They approached the girls in the park and tried to engage them in conversation. The girls ignored the men and ran away. The men then got back into their vehicle.
No physical contact was made and the girls were unharmed.
In a second incident, at approximately 7.30pm the same day, a 12-year-old girl reported being approached by an old, small red van in Bloomfield Road, Blackwood.
A man, described as bald and in his 40s, attempted to speak to the girl and waved a piece of paper out of the window. A woman was sat in the passenger seat. The girl ran away and was unharmed.
Officers are investigating both incidents. At this time they are not believed to be related.?
Inspector Mark Smith said: “We take reports of this nature very seriously and officers are conducting enquiries in the area to locate the vehicles concerned and those responsible.
“I would emphasise to children and teenagers not to enter an unknown vehicle under any circumstances. If you are approached by a stranger asking you to enter a vehicle, please report it to police or tell a parent/adult straight away.”
Anyone with information relating to these incidents, or the vehicles involved, should contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.