Suspicious incidents under investigation in the Byram area

Reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the Byram area as we continue to investigate three separate reports of unknown men asking boys to get in their vehicle.

The first incident happened last Wednesday (18 September 2024) at around 4pm as a boy was walking on the outskirts of the village on Sutton Lane, near the junction with Buckingham Way.

The man was driving an “older grey car” and he asked the boy to get in.

The boy rightly refused, and he quickly headed home to tell his family what had happened. They reported the incident to us.

The man was described as white, bald, aged around 40 with bad teeth. He was wearing a green high vis jacket.

The car was last seen driving off in the direction of Birkin.

At around 7pm the same day, a second report was made by the family of another boy who had been approached by a man at Grey Fold while playing out with his friends.

The boy said the man had offered sweets and asked him and his friends to get in the van.

This man was described as white, older and wearing a red coat.

On Tuesday this week (24 September 2024), a third incident happened between 4.30pm and 4.50pm on Byram Park Road near the woods.

The boy was riding his bicycle when he was approached by a man sat inside a smaller white van. The man offered him sweets to get inside.

The boy refused and sensibly rode away to safety and told his family.

On this occasion, the suspect was described as white, bald or with a shaven head, large build, aged in his 40s, “foreign” accent and possibly has a tattoo on his arm.

During each incident, there has been no physical attempt to get the children into the vehicles.

Extensive police enquiries are ongoing to identify the suspect vehicles and people involved in the incidents which could be connected.

Detective Chief Inspector Shaun Page, who is leading the investigation, said: “I understand that these recent developments will raise local concerns. I want to personally reassure you we are fully committed to investigating these incidents.

“I am urging people to come forward with information to help our enquiries, with any CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage that could assist.”

Additional reassurance patrols have been stepped up in the local area.

If you can help, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make an online report.

Please quote reference number12240170563 when providing details.