Reports of man trying to snatch children 'false'

Reports of a predator making two attempts to snatch children from a playground are false, police have said.

Avon and Somerset Police said they are aware of social media posts suggesting a man had attempted to grab children near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, but said no such incident had been reported.

An image of an alleged suspect was posted online, and a number of schools issued warnings to parents.

The force said it had received a single report last month of a man behaving suspiciously near the bridge, but said the individual made no attempt to touch another person.

A spokeswoman said: "A thorough review has been completed today and no other incidents of this nature or anything involving a person matching the man's description have been reported to us."

She added that neighbourhood officers continue to patrol the areas as part of their usual routes, and urged anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour to report it.

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