REPORTS of the attempted abduction of a young boy in Bulwark last week are being taken "very seriously" say Gwent Police.

A man in a white medium-sized van is said to have stopped in Fisherman's Walk at around 4.45pm on Thursday and asked the nine-year-old for directions to the Severn Bridge.

The boy ran away and was unharmed after the driver asked him to get into the van and show him the way.

Gwent Police is advising members of the public to be cautious about the "suspicious" van and driver.

The man is described as white, in his mid-40s, with black or brown hair, and brown eyes. He was wearing a well-worn leather jacket.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, should call the non-emergency number, 101.

Inspector Mike Boycott said: "Residents should be reassured that we are taking this report very seriously and we are conducting enquiries in the area to locate the vehicle concerned.

"I would emphasise to children and teenagers not to enter an unknown vehicle under any circumstances and if they are approached by a stranger asking them to enter a vehicle to tell a parent or teacher straight away."