A SILVER car was damaged in Worcester after pictures of it were shared on social media incorrectly linking it to fears about 'men in cars' approaching children.

Police say they have launched an investigation into the criminal damage, after its windows were smashed on October 1.

Officers say they believe pictures of the car had previously been posted on social media and shared by people concerned about possible 'child abductions.'

However, police say the car had been eliminated of any wrongdoing.

Vigilante groups on Facebook were set up after reports began circulating about children being approached by adults in cars in the Arboretum and near to local schools.

However, police say they do not believe any of the reported incidents are linked and say there is no evidence of any attempted child abductions.

A spokesman for West Mercia Police said: “We are currently investigating criminal damage to a silver Jaguar, that occurred on 1 October in Worcester.

“We believe the car previously featured on a social media post prior to the damage.

“The presence of the Jaguar had previously been eliminated for any wrong-doing after its presence was reported at the scene of a suspicious incident which was attended by police earlier in the week. “

We previously reported how local police commander, Superintendent Steph Brighton, took steps to reassure the community that none of the reports of suspicious behaviour indicated that individuals were trying to abduct children.

She described one report of a man taking pictures near a supermarket and said investigations had revealed the man had been innocently trying out his new phone.

Supt Brighton said: "Protecting children is of course a priority for us and we have investigated every single report that has been made to us. A number of these describe a variety of suspicious vehicles and activities. To date, despite the good intent of the members of the public reporting, none of these suspicious activities have transpired into criminal activity."

Police have asked anyone concerned about anything suspicious to report it directly to them. Facebook groups, including Help save our children in Worcester and Worcester Street patrol, were set up recently in response to the concerns.