07 July 2023 , 22:04
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A hunt is underway for a "bearded man" who grabbed a nine-year-old boy and tried to drag him away but the youngster "was able to free himself".
Officers from Lancashire Police were called to the incident in Fleetwood at around 7.30pm on Friday evening, with the boy having been walking down along a road at the time.
The nine-year-old child was then grabbed by the arm by the "bearded man" who then attempted to pull him "away from the location".
"We’re appealing for information following the attempted abduction of a nine-year-old boy in Fleetwood yesterday evening," stated Lancashire Police.
The force have described the man as white and of a muscly build. He has tanned skin, is between 5ft 7in and 5ft 10in with black hair and a black bushy beard.
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He was said to be wearing a black snood-like face covering, with a black, long-sleeved tracksuit top and black tracksuit shorts. While he also had an eastern European accent.
Police have now issued an appeal for information. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or believe they may be able to help their investigation, is urged to come forward.
DI Steven Montgomery said: “This is a concerning incident where the young boy was thankfully able to free himself from the man’s grip. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the man described as soon as possible.
"These incidents are rare, but we have increased reassurance patrols in the area as a precaution.
“If you have any CCTV or dashcam from yesterday evening (July 6), at around 7:30pm or if you have any information in relation to the attempted abduction, or the man described above, I would urge you to get in contact with us.”
Any information can be reported to 101, quoting the log 1413 of July 6, 2023.