Youngsters urged to be vigilant after two suspicious incidents in Hathersage

Police are appealing for information after men in a van stopped to speak to teenagers on two separate occasions.

At about 8pm on Sunday, January 24, a 14-year-old boy was walking along Main Road, Hathersage, when a white van containing two men pulled up alongside him and spoke to him.

The two men were white and in their 30s. The passenger had spikey blonde hair.

At around 9pm on Tuesday, January 26, a 15-year-old boy was walking along Moorland Road, Hathersage, when a white van pulled up and the driver spoke to him.

He has described the van driver as a white man, aged about 40, with short, black hair. He wore a black jacket.

On both occasions, the youngsters ran off.

Community Safety Sergeant Jon Lloyd said: "These boys did the right thing by not speaking to a stranger and running away.

"We would urge anyone who has seen a suspicious van in the area, or anyone who has been approached by strangers in a van, to contact police on 0345 123 3333.

"I would also remind parents to tell their children not to speak to strangers and if a stranger approaches you, tell an adult you trust."