Terrified boy, 9, grabbed by stranger in the street while waiting for his mum after school
The youngster was approached from behind by the unknown man, who placed both of his arms around him
A TERRIFIED nine-year-old boy was grabbed by a stranger in the street while waiting for his mum after school.
Police have stepped up patrols in the area after the youngster was approached from behind by the unknown man, who placed both of his arms around him.
The boy, from Portsmouth, Hants, kicked him in the legs to force him to let go before fleeing the area.
A counsellor is now offering support to the boy, who was left distressed, while parents at Lyndhurst Junior School were sent a warning text message to be vigilant.
Special "stranger danger" assemblies have also been held to warn kids of the dangers.
Margaret Beel, principal of Lyndhurst Junior School, which the child attends, said: "I'm surprised because Portsmouth is a built-up area.
"It just shows that we've got to be vigilant for our children at all times, even at peak times during the day.
"It's really important we have our sessions in school about keeping safe and stranger danger."
The man is described as having a grey beard and messy grey hair, which was styled in a bob.
He was wearing a light grey T-shirt, trousers and had work-boots and a light-brown flat cap on.
Detective Constable Lorraine Bell said: "At this stage it is not clear what this man's intentions were but this incident was understandably distressing for the young boy.
"Although this type of incident is rare we have stepped up patrols in the area to reassure residents and would urge anyone with information to contact us."
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368