KENT Police are investigating an incident in which a man attempted to abduct an 11-year-old boy.

The boy was walking along Station Road into Station Approach, next to the Captain Howey pub at New Romney, when he was grabbed from behind.

He managed to pull away and run into the grounds of the public house.

Police say the incident occurred between 8am and 8.30am on Monday, March 6. At the time a white Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Astra style car, which was fairly old, pulled up near to the boy.

Police are anxious to speak to the driver of this car, as he or she may hold valuable information. The boy stayed in the grounds of the public house for a while, and then joined a group of students and made his way to school.

The boy was bably shaken by the incident but has no physical injuries.

The offender is described as a man in his mid-20s. He has a shaven head with facial hair styled as a vertical line from his bottom lip to his chin. He has white skin that is tanned, is about 5ft 11in tall and of medium build.

He was wearing a white hooded top with ‘LONSDALE’ written across the front in dark letters outlined in red, and wearing grey or silver jogging bottoms with an ‘Echo’ motif at the top of the thigh.

Police advise that parents and children to be vigilant and report any suspicious events to the police and where possible travel in groups on the way to and from school.

Police would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed this incident to contact DS Chris Benson at Ashford Police Station on 01233 896281.Alternatively call Crimestoppers Hotline on 0800 555111. Calls to Crimestoppers are free, you do not have to give your name and you may be eligible for a reward.