Police are investigating after two men in balaclavas allegedly jumped out of a white van and tried to kidnap a child in Weston-super-Mare. The incident happened near the junction of Selworthy Road and St Ives Road on November 1.
The child's parent reported the incident to Avon and Somerset Police after returning home at around 8.45pm. The two men are understood to have approached the boy after getting out of a white Ford Transit van, though police have emphasised that they did not physically touch him.
Officers attended within minutes
Officers attended the scene within minutes of receiving the report and have since spoken to the boy and his family. Inspector Paul Chaplin said: "This is a concerning incident and we're working to identify these two men and establish the full circumstances of what happened. Officers attended within minutes of the call being received and have spoken to the boy and his family."
He added: "We will continue to update them as our investigation progresses."
Appeal for witnesses and CCTV
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area around the time of the incident to come forward. Officers are also urging residents with doorbell cameras or CCTV footage which could help identify the men or the white Ford Transit van to get in touch.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 5226355342, or complete the force's online appeals form. Information can also be passed anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its online reporting service.
