POLICE are investigating the attempted abduction of a seven-year-old girl as she walked out of a sweet shop in Burnley.

Alicia Bailey, of Printers Fold, Burnley, was told to get into a car by three strangers as she left the shop in Lowerhouse Lane.

Officers said a Ford Escort pulled up at the side of the shop and a blonde woman got out of the car.

A younger woman, also blonde, was in the driver's seat along with a man wearing a baseball cap in the passenger seat.

Detective Sergeant Dave Groombridge said: "We have launched an inquiry after a report of an attempted abduction and would appeal for anyone with information to contact us on 01282 425001.

"We would obviously urge youngsters not to get into any car if approached by a stranger and would ask parents to be vigilant."