Officers investigating the report of an attempted abduction in Earlham, Norwich on Wednesday evening can now confirm that this incident was fabricated.

A very serious report was made on the 9 June 2010 by a young male who claimed an attempt had been made to pull him into a vehicle. Further enquiries have been made and the youngster involved has now admitted to police this incident did not happen and that his story was untrue.

Words of advice have been given to the youngster about the seriousness of making a false report to police.

Officers will also be contacting the schools and parents who may have been concerned by the alleged incident, to reassure them this was fabricated.

It is always useful to remind the public of the importance of not accepting lifts from strangers and to follow simple advice:

• tell your child to avoid talking to people they don't know when you're not around
• make sure your child knows never to walk away with anyone without first telling the person in charge
• make sure your child understands that they should always tell you if a stranger approaches, and never to keep this secret
• if your child has to use a lift – tell them only to use lifts with friends, and not to feel worried about getting out if they are uncomfortable about someone else being in there
• have your children learn their address and telephone number by heart