Police are attempting to alleviate fears following a series of rumours of attempted abductions of children.

Chief Inspector Duncan Slade, of Twickenham Police, today confirmed there had been no reports on children being abducted in the borough this week, despite a series of rumours circulating among worried parents.

The fears follow the alleged attempted abduction of a boy under 10 years old in the vicarage garden at St Michael’s Church, in Barnes, by a man, on Sunday, July 3.

The boy escaped unharmed.

Chf Insp Slade said: “We have a very sufficient amount of resources and we’re are urging people to remain calm but tell us in the first instance if they have seen or suspect anything.”

Police were forced to release a statement earlier this week after people linked the attempted abduction with a series of incidents - three of which took place in Barnes - of a man trying to grab women along the towpath by the River Thames.

Two men have since been arrested in connection with the incidences and are currently on police bail.

Detective Inspector John Freeman of Twickenham CID added: "Following the alleged attempted abduction, we have increased police patrols in the area and we are continuing to make extensive enquires. At this stage, no arrests have been made.

“I continue to urge the public to be vigilant and to contact us if they encounter any suspicious behaviour that could be linked to either of these cases."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Twickenham CID on 020 8247 7032 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0900 555 1200.