DETECTIVES investigating reports of an attempted child abduction in Darlington have reassured parents, saying they believe the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

A worried parent of a child at Longfield Academy, in Darlington, contacted The Northern Echo after receiving an email from the school reminding students about safety when walking to school.

The letter stated: “Please be aware that following an incident near to school yesterday the police have contacted us to remind pupils about being safe when walking to and from school.

“Pupils should walk with brothers, sisters or friends where possible and should not talk to strangers. Under no circumstances should pupils get in to a car or van with someone they do not know.

“Pupils should go straight home from school and they must let their parents know if they are going to a friend’s house or to an after school club or activity.”

The alleged incident happened on the evening of Wednesday, September 17, in the Harrowgate Farm area of Darlington, during which a teenage boy had been shouted at from a passing van.

However, following further investigation, detectives believe the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

Police have urged parents not to worry and that the safety advice had been issued as a precaution.