A MAN has described how he raised the alarm with police last night after hearing a woman's screams coming from the back of a white van.

The man, whose first name is Ian, was travelling in a car with friends after a meal together when he heard a commotion coming from the vehicle, which was stopped at traffic lights at Common Road, Newton-le-Willows.

The 29-year-old contacted police to raise fears of an abduction, prompting officers to send out patrols to Newton and to contact Cheshire Police, after the van was seen heading out of the borough.

The man told the Star: "At 10pm myself and three friends had pulled over by Penkford School.

"We heard screams and shouting then a male shouted 'hold her down'.

"I then realised it was coming from the back of a white van, it was rocking as if there was a scuffle going on. It was a terrifying experience so we rang the police."

Police say they responded to reports of a "suspicious incident" but there are no ongoing investigations into an abduction.

A Merseyside Police spokesman said: "We spoke to the man who made the reports and circulated details about the van to patrols across St Helens and Cheshire. Anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around 10pm in the Newton area is asked to contact police on the 101 number."

Ian added: "It seemed as though something serious was going on. Unfortunately I didn't get the number plate."