POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man tried to snatch a four-year-old boy who was playing with friends.

The incident happened at 11.30am on Saturday, at Oxford Street, Thornaby, Teesside, when a man in his fifties approached the youngster as he played with friends near a park on the road.

The man took him by the hand and led him away. But a 13-year-old girl, who knows the boy, ran after them and asked the man what he was doing. The man stuttered that he was taking the boy home.

The teenager, who knew the boy did not live in that direction, took hold of the screaming child and helped him home.

The man was described as being in his fifties, 5ft 9in tall, of medium build with a wrinkled fat face and stubble. He had dark grey wavy hair.

He also had a plump nose, which seemed to have been broken. He was slightly tanned and was wearing a black puffa jacket, which had Umbro written on the left hand side and Umbro markings on the sleeve.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Det Sergeant Ian Bedford on (01642) 302234. He is also appealing for parents to be on their guard against similar incidents. He is urging them to make sure they are aware of where their children are at all times