TWO girls were forced to hide in a bush after an attempted abduction in broad daylight.

Police were called to Wilkinson Road, on the Oldhams Estate in Sharples, shortly before 10.20am on Sunday.

The two girls were approached by two men in a white van.

The men demanded that the girls got into the vehicle but they were able to escape unharmed and hid in a nearby bush before calling police.

An investigation has been launched and inquiries are continuing.

Police want to trace a white Ford Connect van with a black roof or black roof rack.

On Wednesday, officers were going door-to-door in Wilkinson Road, to reassure residents and gather information about the incident.

One resident said that officers called at her house but she had not heard or seen anything. She added that the officer told her the girls were around 15 years old.

It is believed the girls were nearing the end of the street furthest away from Belmont Road when the attempted abduction happened.

George Manning, aged 75, who lives in Wilkinson Road, said: "It is a quite lovely neighbourhood.

"We get a few incidents, Friday night and that sort of thing, but on the whole it is a nice and peaceful area.

"I can't believe something like this happened on a Sunday morning."

Cllr Paul Wild, who represents the Astley Bridge ward, said: "It is very concerning. That is awful.

"I think the message is to be extra vigilant and don't go near any vehicles if someone beckons you to come over.

"Any person would be concerned about it. People should report anything suspicious to the police.

"If this happened at 10am on a Sunday morning, it shows it could happen at any time. Sunday morning is a time you should feel completely safe."

Liberal Democrat campaigner, Warren Fox, lives nearby and heard about the incident.

He was also expressed worries after a resident told him about it.

He said: "It is concerning. I hope it is just a miscommunication but if it is something more sinister I hope that people would report it if they saw anything. These people are still out there."

Anyone with formation should call police on 101, quoting incident number 825 of 3/9/17, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.