POLICE are appealing for information after a schoolgirl reported being approached by a man in Guiseley.

The 10-year-old girl had been walking home from school at about 3.30pm yesterday and was in Park Road, near to its junction with Bradford Road, when a man in a vehicle that was queuing with other cars at traffic lights spoke to her and asked her to get in.

The girl ran off and the man drove away as the lights turned green.

The vehicle involved was described as dark-coloured and possibly a pick-up style truck.

The man was described as white, with short dark hair, and was wearing a grey T-shirt.

Detective Inspector James Entwistle, of Leeds District CID, said: “We are carrying out enquiries to identify the man involved and would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw anything, particularly any other drivers who may have dashcam footage that could assist us.

“We recognise that an incident such as this will cause understandable concern in the community and we are liaising closely with our colleagues on the local neighbourhood policing team who are working to reassure people and are linking with schools in the area.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13200014992 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat.

Tranmere Park Primary School in Guiseley issued a statement following the incident.

The school said: "A white male in a black pick-up truck or flat bed van, has invited a young female into his car when she was walking home from school. This incident occurred at the junction of Park Road and Bradford Road in Guiseley, Leeds.

"The male is described as being white, in his mid-40’s with dark hair. He was of a very thin build and spoke with a deep local Yorkshire accent. He had an unshaven face and was wearing a grey t-shirt which had a black stripe across the chest.

"The vehicle is described as a black pick-up or flat bed van, which was shiny and looked modern. It had tinted black windows and was travelling in the direction towards Bradford Road. It was held in the traffic queue, waiting for the traffic lights to change.

"The driver spoke to the child by lowering the passenger-side window and invited her into the car, saying 'Hello darling, do you want some sweet? I’ve got plenty in the back, get in'. He did not get out of the vehicle and the child refused and ran to safety. She is safe and well, but shaken.

"Please ensure your children are aware about strangers. Please ensure they know to keep their distance and never go anywhere with someone they don’t know.

"Advice should be given to not believe anything that strangers say and to not accept gifts treats, or lollies from a stranger. Children should never tell a stranger their name or address."