POLICE are trying to solve the mystery of a woman who was stopped from getting out of a van in the Leigh area last weekend.

They believe she may have been held against her will.

Police received a number of calls from the public on Sunday concerning the incident, but so far they have been unable to trace the woman and are appealing for further information about her whereabouts.

The first call was made to police at around 3.30pm on Sunday when the van was seen on the East Lancashire Road in Lowton.

Police say the van was a Blue Toyota Hiace, with Irish registration plates of 01TN 284.

At 4.55pm, the same vehicle was seen near Sainsbury's on Parsonage Way, Leigh, when it is believed the same woman was being assaulted and stopped from leaving by a man in the van.

At 5.45pm, the van was seen in Slag Lane, Lowton, when the woman was being kept in the van by the same man.

The woman involved in these incidents is described as white, 19-years-old, 5ft 7in tall, with blonde hair worn in a ponytail. She spoke with an Irish accent.

The man with her is described as white with cropped dark brown hair, 5ft 9in tall and of stocky build. He is believed to be 20-years-old and also had an Irish accent.

A police spokesman said: "These incidents have been reported to the police, but officers have been unable to locate the victim at this stage. They are keen to talk to the woman as they are concerned for her welfare."

Police are urging the victim or anyone who has seen the van since Sunday to contact officers at Leigh on 0161 856 7253 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.