DETECTIVES are appealing for the public's help in tracking down a man who grabbed a seven-year-old boy in broad daylight at the weekend.

Although the child was not hurt, police say he was left distressed by the confrontation in Darlington.

The incident happened between 2pm and 2.30pm on Saturday on grassland near to where Westminster Road meets Geneva Road.

"The youngster was grabbed by this man but broke free and ran off," said a police spokesman last night.

"It's important to establish exactly what happened and why it happened. We are obviously treating it seriously."

Officers have issued an e-fit of the man they want to trace. He is white, 5ft 7in, about 26 and thin. He had short, dark brown hair, stubble, a mole under his left eye and was wearing a black T-shirt with a skull and crossbones motif.

Police also want to speak to a woman who may have seen the incident. She was in the cemetery in Geneva Road, dressed in red and wearing glasses, at the time.

Anyone with information is asked to call Darlington police on (01325) 467681.