POLICE have called for people to be vigilant after a 16-year-old girl claimed she was forced into a car by strangers last week.

The girl said she was approached at about 4.20pm on Tuesday, March 16, as she made her way home from school.

As she walked from the Glory Farm estate towards Longfield Road, a medium to large vehicle that was light coloured, possibly silver or white, stopped and she was pulled in.

She was dropped off at the same location around 30 minutes later.

Bicester Schools Officer Pc Jon Payne said: “Thames Valley Police ask parents and children to take precautions and remain vigilant to suspicious vehicles as they make their way to and from school.

"Do not under any circumstances approach any vehicles if you do not know who is inside them and if you feel under threat at any time, do not hesitate to call the police on the emergency 999 number.

"We would like to reassure the community of Bicester that since this incident we have not received any reports of a vehicle of this description acting suspiciously in the town.

"I am in contact with both the secondary and primary schools in the town, providing safety advice and our Police Community Support Officers are carrying out high visibility patrols during school start and finishing times."

He urged schoolchildren to notify parents or teachers if they see any suspicious vehicles to and from school and contact Thames Valley Police on the 24-hour number 08458 505 505.

He added: "A thorough investigation in the area where the incident occurred is taking place and Thames Valley Police would like to reassure people that everything that can be done is being done to catch those responsible."

Anyone with information should contact Thames Valley Police on 08458 505 505 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.