Police have stepped up patrols in St Neots after two men attempted to snatch a child’s bag as she walked home from school yesterday (Wednesday).

The victim, who is 11-years-old, was walking home from school in the Loves Farm area at about 3.20pm when she was approached by two men in a white van. The van’s passenger then approached the girl and attempted to steal the bag.

The men were described as in their 30s and wearing dark coloured beanie hats.

Detective Constable Tom Nuttall said: “This was a particularly frightening incident for the young girl involved but after speaking with her and her family we do not believe this was an attempted kidnap.

“We will be conducting extra patrols in the area to provide reassurance to pupils and parents and we are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed yesterday’s incident.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or visit www.contactcambspolice.uk/Report/ quoting CF0600221017.