I'M sure every parent in the land has been following the Holly and Jessica abduction and, if they are like me, wondering how they would cope if it were their kids that had gone missing.

This thought entered my head as I was going to work at 4am on Saturday morning when I passed three young lads - no older than 12 - walking down Fourth Avenue.

I can only assume they had told their parents they were staying at each other's houses and the parents had taken their word for it.

None of us know, who or what, roams our streets at nightfall until something strange or sinister happens. But a simple check or phone call to the parents of whoever your children are supposedly staying with would, at least, give you peace of mind they were safe while not in your care for the night.

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth, York.

Updated: 10:36 Tuesday, August 20, 2002