Police say they are investigating several reports of men in cars approaching children in the Salisbury area – with ‘extensive enquiries’ underway.
Wiltshire Police said it is aware of ongoing community concern after a number of suspicious incidents were reported over recent days.
Parents and carers are being encouraged to speak to their children about personal safety and what they should do if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.
Several further reports of similar incidents have emerged locally, although the exact circumstances surrounding each have not yet been established.
Police said each report is being treated seriously as officers work to establish what happened and identify those involved, with detectives leading the probe.
The force acknowledged the reports have caused concern within the community, particularly among parents and carers.
Officers have urged people to remain vigilant, but have asked the public to allow investigators time to establish the facts.
The reports follow an alleged incident in Bemerton Heath on Friday 2 October involving a mother and her two young children.
It was alleged that three men in a car approached the woman while she was walking with her two-year-old and six-month-old children in a double pushchair.
Two of the men were reportedly said to have left the vehicle and chased the woman after she refused to put her children in the car.
She reportedly ran with the pushchair to the Spar shop on Gainsborough Close, where she and the children reached safety.
That incident followed earlier reports involving children in the St Peter’s Place area of Salisbury on Friday 25 September.
Two 10-year-old children were reportedly approached by two men in a dark-coloured car at around 7.30pm.
Police also investigated another similar report nearby, but later said that after reviewing CCTV footage and speaking to witnesses they were satisfied that no offences had been committed in relation to that incident.
Wiltshire Police has not confirmed that the various reported incidents are linked.
Detective Inspector Eirin Martin said: “We take reports of this nature very seriously, however, we would like to caution that speculation on social media and sharing of unverified information can cause unnecessary alarm and may hinder ongoing investigations.
“We encourage parents to take the opportunity to speak to their children about personal safety and what they should do if they ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe.”
Police want to hear from anyone who could assist their investigations, including people with relevant CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage.
Anyone with concerns or information should contact Wiltshire Police on 101. In an emergency, call 999.
