TWO separate incidents of children being followed by men in a van have been reported to Gwent Police.

The force has said it has increased police patrols in the area to reassure residents and would like to remind the community that incidents of this nature in Caerphilly are rare.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said: "At approximately 9pm on Friday, September 8, we were contacted by a parent who reported that his son, who was on foot at the time, had been followed by two men in a vehicle.

"The vehicle was described as a blue transit van with no registration plates.

"The vehicle was reported to have driven away from Risca Leisure Centre car park and then turned round and returned to the car park."

She added that officers have patrolled the area and no other incidents have been reported.

Police said the second incident happened at approximately 8.30am on Thursday, September 14, when officers were made aware that an 11-year-old girl had been followed by a vehicle.

"The girl, who was on foot at the time, was walking along Meadow Way to Coopers Place in Caerphilly," the spokeswoman continued. "The vehicle, described as a white transit van was first seen parked up on Meadow Way and, after following the girl, drove away in the direction of Coopers Place.

"At this time, enquiries are ongoing and there will continue to be an increase in police patrols in the area to reassure residents.

"We would like to remind the community that incidents of this nature in Caerphilly are rare."

Anyone with information is asked to please call 101 quoting log 80 14/9/17 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.