A boy was "grabbed" by a man who tried to pull him away from his mother during a North East festival.

The six-year-old was at Middlesbrough Diwali at Centre Square when the attempted kidnapping took place at around 6.15pm on Saturday, October 29.

According to police, the man had grabbed the boy by the wrist before attempting to pull him away from his mother.

Read more: Darlington man's prison sentence delayed for medical reports

However, when his efforts to make off with the boy failed, he ran off in the direction of Corporation road.

Today, police launched an investigation as they released details of the suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward.

They said the suspect has been described as a "brown male," who is possibly Asian and aged in his 30s.

They added that he is around 5ft 10inches tall, with a mark on his right cheek, and of skinny build with short dark hair and a spikey fringe.

Read more: Hopes Northallerton link road will open within weeks

At the time, he was said to be wearing a black zip-up jacket.

In a statement, Cleveland Police urged anyone who may have information or witnessed the incident to come forward.

A spokesperson for the force said: "Any witnesses to the incident or anyone who may have information regarding the identity of the suspect, or anyone with CCTV or dash cam footage which may assist the investigation, is asked to contact Detective Constable Itsharm Ramzan at Middlesbrough CID on 101, quoting incident number 195418.

"Footage can also be uploaded directly here: https://unitedkingdom1cpp-portal.digital-policing.co.uk/cleveland/appeal/appeal-after-incident-in-centre-square-middlesbrough."

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Read more: 

If you want to read more great stories, why not subscribe to your Northern Echo for as little as £1.25 a week. Click here