Detectives are hunting for a masked stranger who attempted to grab a young boy as he rode his bike in a busy park.
The 10-year-old was in a Crawley park on Sunday afternoon when he was approached by the 6ft tall stranger who wore a black mask or balaclava and black gloves, and who grasped him by the shoulder.
The boy managed to ride away and inform his mother after the incident at around 5.20pm at Mill Pond, Crawley.
Detective Sergeant Karrie Bohanna of Sussex Police said: “The boy did exactly the right thing by telling his mum immediately and she rang us.
“The boy wasn’t sure if the person who grabbed him was a man or woman as they had their face covered with a black mask or balaclava. He describes them as around 6’ and wearing black gloves.
“The Mill Pond area was very busy at this time and the suspect would have had to pass a lot of people. We have had no further calls about other children being approached but we are keen to hear from anyone who might have seen something suspicious. Were you in the area between 5pm and 5.30pm and saw someone wearing a black balaclava and black clothes?
“Thankfully the boy was unharmed and is being looked after by his family.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting serial 1120 pf 04/09.