A SCHOOLBOY has been praised for his quick-thinking after being approached by a man in campervan.

Police are investigating after an 11-year-old boy raced home to his parents when a man driving a Mercedes van pulled up alongside him on Biggar Bank, Walney, on Sunday.

The male in the campervan, described as being 30 with a long brown beard and short brown hair, spoke to the boy before the youngster fled.

The incident is said to have taken place at around 6pm.

Praising his actions, South Walney councillor Frank Cassidy said the young boy ‘deserves credit’.

“This is an alarming incident that will worry families across our communities," he said.

“The young lad deserves credit for running straight home to his mam and dad.

“Thankfully episodes like this are quite rare but it underscores just how vigilant we all need to be.”

The councillor urged people to remain vigilant and to come forward with any information that could help police.

He said: “We want our streets to be safe and I’m sure people will be extra watchful in the wake of this suspicious approach and anyone with information – no-matter how scant – should contact police.”

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: “Police attended to a report of an suspicious incident on Biggar Bank Lane, Walney, that occurred on Sunday, April 25 at approximately 6pm.

“It was reported by an 11 year old male child that a Mercedes Camping Van with a Bubble style top pulled up alongside him.

“A white male described as 30 years old, long brown beard and short brown hair, wearing a green top spoke to the child.

“The child immediately ran home and informed his parents who contacted police.

“Enquiries in the area have found no other witnesses.

“Anyone with information or who witnessed the incident is encouraged to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 213 of 25th April. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”