PARENTS are being advised to always know where their children are after two 'suspicious' men in a van were spotted trying to speak with young children playing near a park.

The men have been seen driving around the Tonge Park area in a white van over recent days.

They were described as acting suspiciously and attempting to speak to youngsters.

Police have now issued a safety warning to parents and their children, following the incidents.

A post by GMP Bolton North said: "There has recently been a white van driving around the area of Tonge Park with two males in, not further described, acting suspiciously and attempting to speak to the young children on the park and surrounding areas.

"Please be mindful of this when letting your children play out in the evening or over the weekend and ensure that your children are aware of Stranger Danger.

"We will be including the area on our ASB patrols however any further incidents please report them to the police."

Concerns about the incident have also been expressed by councillors for the Tonge and The Haulgh area.
Ward councillor, Cllr Martin Donaghy, said: “This is a very concerning issue and I am sure that a lot of parents in the area will be worried about this.

“I hope the police are in the area and have stepped up their presence to reassure the local community.

“I have never heard of anything like this in our area before and if there was we would be on to it straight away.” 

Anyone with any information can call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.