A 12-year-old boy was left shaken after two men in a white van attempted to kidnap him at Westbury rail station on Sunday afternoon.

Det Chief Insp Ian Miller of British Transport Police said today: “I can confirm that we are investigating a report that a boy was approached by two men in a van at Westbury rail station at 4.37pm.

“Understandably, the boy was left very shaken by what happened, but he was not hurt or injured.

“It is believed a van was parked on Station Approach, just outside the station. When the boy walked past, an attempt was made to get him into the van.”

The boy ignored them and ran away.

The vehicle was a white Transit van and one of suspects is described as 6ft tall, and wearing a grey hooded top and builders-type clothing.

Police are viewing CCTV footage from in and around the station and liaising with Wiltshire Police in the investigation.

Det Chief Insp Miller said: “The police treat the safety and well-being of children as an absolute priority.

“While reports of this nature on the rail network are rare, it is important that everyone, including children, feel safe when travelling by train.

“We are doing everything in our power to identify those involved, and I would urge anyone with information that can assist our investigation to contact us immediately.

“I would also advise parents to be vigilant and to ensure their children are fully aware of 'stranger danger' and report any suspicious activity to police."

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40, or text 61016, quoting reference 324 of 13/07/2014. Information can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.