POLICE have arrested a man in West Somerset after reports that he tried to entice some children into his car on Monday evening (February 12).

The incident, which happened in Williton shortly before 6.40 pm, saw a man offer the youngsters a lift in his vehicle.

The children ran to their home and told their parents, who then called the police.

Officers from the Taunton and West Somerset neighbourhood policing team immediately carried out a search of the area in which they were able to ‘locate and arrest’ the man.

An Avon and Somerset Constabulary spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday (February 13): “A man is in custody after acting suspiciously, offering children a lift in Williton.

“Police wish to offer the public reassurance and advise they may see an increased presence in the area as officers carry out inquiries, as well as carry out reassurance patrols.

“If you have any concerns, please do speak with officers or contact your neighbourhood team by calling 101.”

The spokesperson said officers were keen to speak with anybody who witnessed the incident, or who might have any dashcam footage which could help with their investigation.

They said anybody who thought that they may be able to help the police with their inquiries was asked to call 101 and to quote the reference number 5224037925.

🌑 Separately, rural PCSOs from the neighbourhood team have recently been promoting Farmwatch and Horsewatch in farming and equine communities across West Somerset.

The schemes are free to join and can help to reduce crime and deter criminals.

The scheme aims to reduce opportunities for rural crime, reinforce the community spirit so that everybody can contribute towards crime prevention, and to introduce early warning systems within isolated and hard to reach communities.

Anybody who wants to join the Farmwatch or Horsewatch schemes or would like to find out more information about them should email to [email protected].

The spokesperson said: “Your local PCSO will arrange a visit with you, sign you up to the scheme, and provide signage and crime prevention advice, including conducting a crime prevention survey if required.”