[P]olice are continuing to actively investigate a report of a girl being forced into a van in Barrow yesterday evening (March 15th).
The incident was reported to have happened at just before 7pm, in the Middlefield and /or Mill Bank area of Barrow, on the Ormsgill estate (note change in location from the original report of Middle White Close).
The girl was described as being aged around 11-13 years old, with dark brown hair which was worn down, and wearing dark jeans and a leather-type jacket
The van has been described as a dark transit-type vehicle with possible registration including JY1, with the driver perhaps having a Scottish accent and wearing a balaclava.
A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “There have been no reported missing persons that would fit the description of the victim described in this situation.
“Officers are investigating numerous lines of enquiry, one of these being that this could have been an innocent interaction between people known to each other that could have been misinterpreted.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden said: “We are still treating this report seriously, and remain open minded about what could have happened.
“We are continuing to urge anyone with information to come forward. If this was an innocent interaction and you were involved or are aware, please let us know. Similarly, if you believe you saw anything suspicious in the area at the time, or you saw the van or girl described, get in touch.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
