A MAJOR child-snatching investigation has been launched after three attempted abductions across Slough.

Fears are growing after a man approached young schoolgirls in three separate incidents, with detectives now issuing an urgent appeal for information.

The first incident took place near the shops in Knolton Way at about 8.20am on Tuesday, September 11.

A man in a black car approached a 12-year-old girl and tried to engage her in conversation. He asked the victim to get in his car, but she refused and he then drove away.

The second incident took place on Monday this week at about 8.20am in Aylesworth Avenue.

Again, a man in a black car approached the victim, a 12-year-old girl, and attempted to engage her in conversation before asking her to get in his car.

The victim refused and walked away, and the man left the scene.

The third incident took place on Wednesday at about 7.50pm, again in Aylesworth Avenue.

The victim, an 11-year-old girl, was approached by a man in a black car. He told her that he had been asked to give her a lift home and asked her to get in his car.

She refused and walked away from the man.

The offender is a white man with dark hair and may have a beard or stubble.

He is described as being aged between about 30 and 50 and was also driving a black car, believed to be a Nissan.

In the third incident, he was wearing a short-sleeved Nike top with black tracksuit bottoms.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone, of Force CID, said: “We believe that these three incidents are linked due to the description of the offender and his vehicle.

“I would like to speak to anyone who recognises the description of this man or who recognises the description of his car.

“Anyone in the area who sees any behaviour which they believe could be suspicious, or could relate to this incident, should call 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Superintendent Sarah Grahame, Local Area Policing commander for Slough, said: “I understand that these three incidents will cause concern in the community, but I would like to reassure people that a full investigation is underway, and that our officers are in the process of carrying out thorough enquiries.

“We are also working closely with partner agencies and schools in the area to ensure that they have up to date information about our investigation.

“I would advise parents that their children should always walk home with friends or an adult, and that they should never accept a lift from anyone they don’t know.”

If you have any information which you think could help this investigation, please call 101, quoting reference 43180286251.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or make a report online.