POLICE are continuing with their enquiries into suspicious activity in Barnsley following a number of reports of unidentified people behaving in a strange and unusual manner.

Officers are examining CCTV footage from across the town centre following several reports over the last two weeks.

In one incident, a group of people are reported to have approached a woman walking with her child close to the Alhambra. The group did not touch the woman or her child, not did they approach or speak to the child.

However, the incident distressed the woman who reported the matter to police.

In other incidents, members of the public have reported unknown men behaving suspiciously while they have been in the town centre with their children.

Each incident has been thoroughly investigated and at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that an attempted child abduction has taken place.

DCI Deb Mahmood said: "Our enquiries are ongoing into this issue following the high level of concern in the local community after comments on social media.

"We continue to monitor CCTV and will take action against any incident brought to our attention or any individual found to be committing a criminal offence.

"I’d like to remind the public that they should report any suspicious incidents to us on 101 so that we can investigate. If you're unsure about any individual, or believe they're acting in an odd manner, call us or alert your local officers on patrol."

Increased police presence and high visibility patrols in the town centre will continue as enquiries progress.

Officers have also been made aware of an incident in the Grimethorpe area. It's reported that the driver of a black BMW made a suggestive comment to a woman walking along High Street.

While the woman had a child in a pushchair with her, it's believed that the comment was aimed directly at the woman and not at the child. She reported the matter to the local school who alerted police.

DCI Mahmood continued: "We're aware that a text message was sent to parents of children at a Grimethorpe school informing them of the incident. Local officers are making enquiries into the matter.

"I'm satisfied at this time that this incident is not connected to any others. However, if anyone has any concerns please contact us."

Anyone wishing to report suspicious activity should call 101.