POLICE in Hampshire have investigated reports on social media about the attempted abduction of two children in two separate incidents.

Officers in the city have moved to reassure worried parents left concerned over various posts about men trying to grab young children in Southampton city centre.

Fears were raised when one mum posted online that a man had tried to abduct her three-year-old son as she turned her back for just a few seconds as they were by their car in WestQuay Retail Park.

Another then posted that a young girl was grabbed by a suspicious looking man as she enjoyed a ride on the fairground carousel at the Christmas market in the city centre.

In both cases the children are said to have screamed out for their parents causing the man to walk off.

Hampshire police have confirmed that they did receive a report concerning a suspicious man in WestQuay Retail Park on November 19 and that they fully investigated it. They found no evidence of an offence being committed.

A spokesperson said that while they had not received any reports about an attempted abduction at the city’s Christmas market as a result of the concern on social media they have looked into it and spoke to market traders who were not aware of any incident.

They added that they would urge all parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour as it is always taken very seriously by the force.

Anyone with concerns about someone acting suspiciously should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.