Police have spoken to worried parents following reports of attempted abductions of children.

Concerned mothers, from Bewbush, Crawley, had arranged through social networking site Facebook to march to Crawley Police Station on Friday, to ask for a greater police presence when children are leaving school and youth clubs.

During yesterday's(WEDS) meeting, officers explained that all abduction reports had been thoroughly investigated and did not appear to be linked.

Police received reports about people approaching children in Langley Green, Gossops Green, and Bewbush, between September 20 and September 30. Another incident was reported in Ifield on Monday.

Police said no evidence had come to light that any criminal offences had taken place and none of the reports involved physical abduction attempts.

They added that patrols will be increased around the town's schools and work will be done with pupils around stranger danger.

Inspector Zahid Khan, from Crawley Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We held a very positive meeting with parents this morning and we all had a frank and open discussion about these incidents.

“We take reports of this nature very seriously and clearly emotions are currently running high among parents and children alike.”.

Anyone who has concerns about suspicious behaviour can contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.