Police are appealing for information after a 12-year-old boy was grabbed by a man in Leeds.
The child had been walking along a bridleway that runs between Tongue Lane and Woodlea Lane shortly after 3.15pm yesterday (31/1).
He had just passed a point where the path bends to the right when he was approached from behind by a man who grabbed him around the waist with both hands and said, “come with me”.
The boy turned around and pushed the suspect and ran off. He ran home and told his father who contacted the police.
The man was described as being 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, aged 20 to 30, slim build, wearing a dark-coloured knitted jumper with a V-neck, which was possibly black or dark blue, and dark brown trousers.
Detective Inspector Phil Jackson, of Leeds District CID, said: “We don’t know what this man’s intention was at this stage but this has clearly been a distressing experience for the boy involved and we urgently need to identify the suspect.
“We would like to hear from anyone who was in the area and saw someone fitting the description or who has any information that could assist the investigation.
“We recognise that an incident of this nature will cause understandable concern in the community and we have linked with our colleagues in the local neighbourhood policing team who will be carrying out additional patrols of the area at key times to reassure people. We are also linking with nearby schools to offer suitable support and advice.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime number 13170048499 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.