POLICE have launched an investigation after a suspicious van was spotted following two young boys in Winnington.

The boys, aged 11, were walking along Moss Road and Firdale Road at around 4.30pm yesterday (November 30), when an unknown man in a white van began following them.

The van, described as having black lettering and blue graphics, followed the youngsters as they made their way onto Moss Farm before the driver got out of the vehicle.

Both boys ran off over Moss Farm and got home safe and well when the alarm raised.

Police were notified of the incident and are now appealing for anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

Inspector Jason Murray said: “We understand the concerns this incident is likely to cause, and I would like to reassure residents we are doing all we can to establish exactly what has taken place.

“If anyone has any information in relation to the incident please get in touch, the same goes for anyone with any dashcam or video footage.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or at cheshire.police.uk/tell-us, quoting incident number IML 1424981.

Alternatively, information can be given anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.