Police are investigating reports of a schoolgirl being put into a white van this evening.
A large police presence has been reported in the Felling area of Gateshead.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "Police are carrying out enquiries after reports of a suspicious incident in Gateshead.
"At about 8.15pm police received a report of a girl being forced into a white van on Coldwell Street, Felling."
Police at the scene have said they have received no reports of a missing child.
A man at the scene told Chronicle Live: "I’ve been told they’re looking for an eight year old girl who has gone missing."
A mum finishing her shopping at an Asda near the centre of the police activity said: "We don’t know what’s happened, just hearsay about a little girl.
"The police seem to be talking to people."
A Facebook post claiming that there had been an abduction has been widely shared online, although its details are not confimed.
CCTV footage has reportedly been obtained by police from a nearby shop.
Gina Willison said: "I’ve got a son myself and I texted his dad saying don’t even let him into the garden - feels like you’re not safe on your own doorstep.
"On the one hand I hope to God it’s a hoax, but on the other hand if it is a hoax it’s sick.
"If there is a little girl I hope to God she’s safe."
