Devon and Cornwall Police launched a full force response in Launceston last night after it was reported that a "child had been seen being bundled into a van" at around 6.30pm. 

However, after investigating reports, it was found that a female was mistaken for a child due to their slight build.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Police were contacted by a concerned member of the public who reported seeing a child being bundled into a van near Launceston High Street at around 6.30pm on Thursday, January 26. 

“An immediate overt police response was launched with support from the police helicopter to help us locate the vehicle in question.

“Localised searches were unsuccessful, however at around 11.20pm officers managed to locate a van matching the initial report in the Stoke area of Plymouth.

“Police spoke with the driver and the female separately and no offences were identified.

“It transpires that the female was very slight in build and was mistaken for a child by the reporting person.

“Whilst the call from the member of public was made in good faith, the incident wasn’t as first reported and no child was involved, nor was the female taken against her will."

They added: “There are no follow-up matters for the police linked to this incident.”