Patrols in place as investigation continues into suspicious incidents in the Forest

Officers in the Forest of Dean want to reassure local communities that an active investigation is ongoing into a series of suspicious incidents throughout March involving a white transit van.

Incidents reported to police and on social media have taken place in Yorkley Woods and Tower Road in Yorkley and Berry Hill in Coleford.

The incidents include reports of a man following women and approaching children.

Inspector Nick Cook said: “Local officers have carried out extensive enquiries into each report and reviewed all potentially suspicious incidents in the Forest.

“There are several lines of enquiry that my officers are undertaking to establish a full understanding of the situation.

“I recognise that this is of concern to the community but I would like to reassure everyone extra patrols are taking places in the Yorkley and Berry Hill areas and will remain in place for the foreseeable future.

“I would just ask anyone who hasn’t spoken to us who has information to come forward.”

Information can be submitted using the following online form and quoting incident 135 of 24 March: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/?fbclid=IwAR2kDj49Iri6iVJB8DnBMpJ28QB1M_h3cNWmyju1Q6e2s-8K_IS0b7rwVcY