Man suspected of kidnap attempt is released on bail

A man arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap has been released on bail.

The 52-year-old man from Chippenham was questioned by police after a 14-year-old schoolgirl was repeatedly offered a lift by someone she did not know.

The incident happened on Union Road, in Chippenham, on Thursday, according to Wiltshire Police.

Inquiries remain ongoing into another incident on Thursday on Woodlands Road, in which a 12-year-old boy was approached by a man he did not know, but officers said there was nothing to suggest the incidents were linked.

Det Insp Penny Andrews said: "We appreciate the significant community impact that these two incidents have had, and we have taken them both incredibly seriously since they were reported.

"I would like to reiterate, however, that they are not thought to be linked."

She said extra patrols were being carried out in the area and officeres were in close contact with local schools to provide reassurance.

She added: "We are also aware that a photo of a man has been circulating on social media, particularly on Snapchat among schoolchildren, as a supposed suspect.

"This man is not linked to either offence and the photo appears to have been taken from social media.

"I would ask the public to refrain from speculation about the incidents."

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