POLICE have increased patrols around Barnton after a man asked a 13-year-old boy to get into his car.

At around 5.30pm on Saturday, the teenager had been walking on Townfield Lane when a black cab-style taxi pulled up next to him at the side of the road.

The man inside the car as asked the boy if he wanted to get in. The teenager ignored the man and walked away from the car. The taxi then drove off towards Barnton Primary School.

The driver is described as a man, of Asian origin, wearing a black t-shirt and a black hat.

Insp Andrew Smith, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: “I would like to reassure the public that this appear to be an isolated incident and at no point was there any physical contact between the man and the boy.

“Understandably, the incident is likely to cause concern in the local community and we have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance. If anyone has any concerns they should speak to an officer.

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“I also want to urge people to be vigilant and continue to report any suspicious activity.”

Anyone with any information which may assist the ongoing investigation is asked to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 475744, give the details via cheshire.police.uk/contact/general-enquiries or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.