Published at 16:32, Wednesday, 28 March 2012

AN 11-year-old boy had to fight off a man who tried to drag him away from a waste ground in Dalton, police say.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened behind Dalton Leisure Centre about 6pm on Monday. 

They said the boy had become separated from three female friends he was playing with when the man came and called out to him. 

It is believed the man grabbed the boy by his wrist and attempted to lead him along a track by the leisure centre.

However, the boy kicked out and ran away to rejoin his friends. 

The man is described as white, aged between 50 and 60 and of average height, with a chubby build and grey hair.

Police officers launched an investigation after the group of friends informed their school teacher.

Local house to house patrols and CCTV examination are continuing today and officers are working with the children involved. 

DC Amy Loebell said: “We are appealing for witnesses so that we can gain the full facts surrounding the incident.

“We are at a very early stage of our investigation and are working with the children involved, along with their parents and school teachers, to establish exactly what happened on Monday evening and why the man may have wanted the boy to walk with him.

“We are also trying to trace the man who was involved. If you spoke to the group of children on Monday evening please come forward and speak to us to give us your side of the story.

“Police officers have strong links with schools in the local area and will continue working with teachers and pupils to provide important advice on how to stay safe and stranger danger.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information that can help police with their enquiries is urged to contact Barrow CID on 101 or call Crimestoppers to provide information anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk