DRIVERS must not take the law into their own hands, even if worried for their safety, police have said.

Police have increased patrols on the former Murco refinery road between Herbrandston and Tiers Cross, after two worrying incidents in recent weeks.

Both drivers reported a group of men attempting to flag them down in the dark.

In the first, local mum Jamie-Lee Irving slowed down, and was "terrified" when another man attempted to enter her vehicle.

High visibility patrols are now being carried out in the area, and drivers have been urged to be "alert but not alarmed" when travelling on this section of road.

But comments on social media, where concerned locals have said they would 'run over' or 'drive into' anyone seen on the road, have been branded "ill-advised" by police.

"We would like to remind the public of the personal safety advice provided and potential serious consequences for those who take matters into their own hands injuring pedestrians," a police spokesman said.

"Our advice is to consider locking doors when travelling in that area and if attempts are made to stop your vehicle, keep driving as long as it is safe to do so, but avoid at all costs intentionally targeting or colliding with a person/s.

"If anyone unexpectedly tries to stop your vehicle in this area, call 999 as soon as it is safe to do so."

Police are still investigating the incidents, and anyone with information, or experiences a similar incident, should call 101.