Police probe child abduction reports at fireworks display in Manchester

Police say they are taking reports a girl has been abducted during a fireworks display "very seriously".

Officers were alerted by security staff to the possible abduction at Heaton Park, Manchester, on Sunday night and spent several hours searching hundreds of vehicles.

Greater Manchester Police said officers worked through the night to corroborate the report but "the evidence available at this time does not suggest that a child has been abducted".

Earlier, the force said it had not received any reports from family members of a missing child.

Superintendent Mark Kenny said: "Reports that relate to abduction are taken very seriously and extensive enquiries were conducted overnight.

"Officers acted quickly to ensure the safety of the public and this included the checks of vehicles at the park.

"I am positive the report made to us was in good faith however, we have not received a report of a missing child that matches the information reported to us.

"We continue to investigate the circumstances so we can be sure of exactly what has happened and I encourage anyone to speak to us about any concerns that they have."

People on social media said there were long delays leaving the park due to the searches.

Chloe Keenan, 18, from Leigh, Wigan, told the Daily Express it took her two hours to get out.

She said: "We were one of the first ones back to the car and we didn't move for an hour. Police were walking down the road."

She added: "Police told us that the information was scattered, but that a little girl might have been bundled into a car and they had to search our cars. We were told it could take up to five hours."

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 2512 of 05/11/17 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.