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Detectives are investigating reports a man in a white van grabbed a school pupil just hours after approaching a group of children.

Parents were told by school staff at Gosforth Central Middle School to warn their children about being approached by strangers after the alarming incidents.

Northumbria Police confirmed they received reports of men in a suspicious van which is believed to have approached students near the school on Wednesday morning.

Later that day, a man driving a van is alleged to have grabbed the hand of a pupil, the force confirmed.

Investigators believe the same individuals and vehicle were involved in both incidents.

According to a message sent out by Gosforth Junior Academy, the same van was reportedly spotted in the area on Thursday.

(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

Enquiries are ongoing and Northumbria Police have confirmed they’ve stepped up patrols in the area.

The force previously moved to reassure parents there is ‘no cause for concern’ but have since clarified that investigations are ongoing.

A message to parents from Gosforth Central Middle School said: “We would like to let you know about an incident which happened this morning to two of our pupils as they walked to school.

“They were approached by three men in a small white van that was parked at the roadside on Park Avenue (just off Great North Road).

“A man in the back of the van asked the pupils to get into the van.

“Our pupils were very sensible, refused to get into the van, and came straight to school and reported the incident to staff this morning.”

A later message from Denise Waugh, director of Gosforth Junior Academy, said: “Further to the incident, yesterday, concerning Gosforth Central Middle School children being approached by men in a white van on Park Avenue, it has been reported to police that men in a white van tried to grab a [year 11 Gosforth Academy] girl last night.

“It has been brought to our attention (and the police) that the same men may have been in the Park Avenue area, this morning, in a silver van.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “On Wednesday (September 19) police received reports of a suspicious van believed to have approached students near to Gosforth Middle School in Newcastle.

“We were also made aware of a further report later that day where a man in a van is alleged to have grabbed the hand of a pupil.

“Officers have since identified the vehicle in question and those believed to be involved.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish if any criminal offences have taken place but officers believe that both reports relate to the same vehicle.

“Extra patrols will be in the area to offer reassurance to children and their parents.

“Anyone with concerns is asked to speak to a nearby officer or contact police on 101 quoting reference 919 19/09/18.”