DETECTIVES investigating two reported kidnappings are no longer treating them as attempted child abduction.

Shortly after 9.40pm on Monday, a 14-year-old girl was walking along Lower Southfield towards a ginnel linking to The Pewfist, in Westhoughton, when she saw three people wearing balaclavas jump from a white Transit-style van and run into a nearby housing estate.

Fearing for her safety, she ran to a nearby address and was later safely walked home.

Police are treating the incident as suspicious and are continuing to appeal for information.

In a separate and unconnected incident shortly after 3.40pm on Tuesday, two 11-year-olds were walking along Spring Lane in Radcliffe when they were engaged in conversation by a man who got out of a white Transit-style van, which had stopped at traffic lights.

On Wednesday, three men voluntarily attended a police station in relation to the incident and continue to assist officers with their enquires.

Anyone with information on the incident in Westhoughton should contact police on 0161 856 8172 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.