A RUMOUR about a missing four-year-old girl sweeping the Forest is believed to be a hoax.

Police have stepped in to say they have no knowledge about a missing girl, despite reports cropping up on social networking sites.

A spokesman said: "Gloucestershire Police are aware of a number of statements appearing on social networking websites stating that a four-year-old girl is missing in Aylburton.

"Police have received no reports about missing children in the area and believe these claims may be a hoax.

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"However, they do urge that if anyone is aware of a genuine incident where a child is missing they should call 999 immediately."