Woman and four young children 'forced into van' as police launch urgent search

Gwent Police are investigating after a caller 'reported seeing a woman being forced into a van by a man' along with four young children between the ages of two and seven

Police have launched an urgent search after a woman and four young children were reportedly seen being forced into a van in Wales.

Officers released a CCTV image of a Ford Transit van after the incident in Pontypool, Torfaen was reported by a member of the public just after midnight on Monday. A caller had reported seeing a woman being "forced into a van by a man".

The man was described as being in his 20s or thirties, of medium build and was wearing a "light green top". The woman, who was accompanied by four children aged between two and seven, is said to be around the same age and 5'5 tall. She has brown hair that was tied up in a bun.

Anyone who was in the area, saw the video or has any information that could assist the information, has been urged to come forward. A statement from Gwent Police on social media said: "We're investigating a report of suspicious behaviour that happened on Broadway, Pontypool just after midnight yesterday, Monday 21st October. A caller reported seeing a woman being forced into a van by a man. She also had four children with her.

"The woman is described being in her twenties or thirties about 5'5" tall, with brown hair that was tied up in a bun. The four children are described as being aged between 2 and 7. The man involved was in his twenties or thirties, of a medium build, and was wearing a lime green top. The van is a silver Ford Transit Connect and it had black bars on the top."

"If you were in the area at the time, and saw anything, or have any information that could help please call us on 101, or direct message us social media, quoting 2400349933. You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. We appreciate that the CCTV quality is not the best but hope that it might trigger someone's memory."