AN 11-year-old boy fended off a man who grabbed hold of his arm while he was out playing.

Detectives investigating the incident in Catterick Garrison have issued an efit of a person they want to identify.

Between 6.15pm and 6.30pm on Thursday (February 26), the boy was playing on a grassed area near to woods on Somerset Close, when the man approached him and got hold of his arm.

The boy broke free and ran off and the man walked away in the direction of the woods.

The man is described as around 25 years old, of slim build and taller than 5ft 8ins.

He was wearing dark ripped jeans and a dark coloured coat over a dark hooded top pulled up over his head. He had a black rucksack with “Adidas” in white on his back and spoke with a local accent.

Police are appealing to anyone who recognises the man from the efit or has any information about the incident, to please contact the police.

Detective Constable Claire Starkey of Northallerton CID, said: “Incidents of this nature are very rare, but very concerning when they do get reported. We are asking for the public’s help to identify the man and prevent any further incidents.

"In this instance, the boy did exactly the right thing and ran off and told his mum who then called the police.”

Anyone who can assist the investigation is asked to call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for DC Claire Starkey or email claire.starkey@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk quoting reference number 12150032120.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.