An operation to rescue the children has been launched. (Representational)

Five children were allegedly kidnapped on Saturday in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, triggering protest by residents.

According to district police officers, a gang of criminals disguised as kanwariyas kidnapped the children from Lakhanpur village under the Bath police station and fled in an Omni van.

The children were playing near a road, eyewitnesses said.

The area police station officers refused to say any more in this connection.

The agitated villagers staged a protest and demanded safe return of the children.

Bhagalpur range IG Vikash Vaibhab has alerted all police stations in Bhagalpur and neighbouring Munger districts. An operation to rescue the children has been launched.