Abduction rumours spark concern

Police have been forced to reassure families after rumours of child abductions in South Gloucestershire.

Officers said rumours had begun circulating that abductions had taken place in Yate, Chipping Sodbury, Staple Hill and Filton.

In a statement intended to calm local communities, police said: "Although parents are always advised to be vigilant there have been no such cases.

"We will always investigate any genuine report of suspicious behaviour."

It is not known at this stage how or why the abduction rumours arose.