EXTRA police patrols are taking place following a reported attempted abduction earlier this week.

Barnsley North East Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We are aware of information circulating in the local community and on social media about a reported attempted abduction in Shafton earlier this week.

“We know this reported incident is causing concern, and therefore wanted to provide clarity on the report that we received and our ongoing investigation.

“On Tuesday (January 28), we were called to report that at around 7.20pm the previous evening (Monday) a 14-year-old girl was walking along Shafton High Street, when a silver car pulled up alongside her.

“The man driving the car is alleged to have got out of the car and tried to engage with the girl, asking her if she was okay, before she ran off.”

Inspector Richard Mangham said: "I understand incidents of this nature can cause concern and I want to reassure the community that we are aware of the reported incident on January 27.

"At this time, no other reports of this nature have been made to us and there are a number of lines of enquiry we are continuing to follow up, and we are in contact with the victim and her family.

"While we understand residents’ desire to keep their community safe, I want to reiterate that we have officers working hard to investigate these reports, including delivering extra patrols in the area, and I would urge residents to avoid speculation and taking their own action. This could jeopardise our ongoing inquiry.

"Anyone with information or concerns about this incident is encouraged to report it to police, by calling 101 and quoting incident number 268 of 28 January."