Manhunt underway searching for The Bolton kidnapper

A MANHUNT is underway searching for the driver of a white van in Bolton who attempted to kidnap two girls, aged nine and 10, in just over 24 hours.

Detectives in Bolton have made a desperate appeal for information after the incidents on Wednesday, September, 23, and Thursday, September, 24, which are being linked.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said a man attempted to persuade a 10-year-old girl to go with him at around 3.20pm.

The following day a nine-year-old girl was approached in a similar manner at around 3.30pm.

In both cases, the girls ran away and reported what had happened.

Both attempted abductions happened in the vicinity of Broadford Road in Bolton, police have revealed.

The man has been described as Asian, bald, and with facial hair.

On both occasions, he was wearing a high-visibility jacket and black trousers.

Detective Sergeant Robert Parker, of GMP’s Bolton Division, said: “These are two incredibly concerning incidents, and thankfully, in both cases, neither of the children were persuaded to go with this man.

“I would like to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to find this man and have increased patrols in the area whilst we investigate these incidents.

“If you have any concerns at all please do speak to our officers.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed either of these incidents or seen a man who fits this description driving a white van in the area.

“If you have seen anything suspicious at all, please do not hesitate to get in touch with police as a matter of urgency.”