Hartlepool police release description of mystery man who attempted to 'grab' boy

They have also given more information about the car he is believed to have been driving during the incident in Bruntoft Avenue and Lamberd Road, Hartlepool, at around 8pm on Sunday, September 13.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: “Detectives believe the car may be a silver VW Golf with tinted windows. It reportedly also had a loud exhaust.

“Officers are dealing with a report of a man in a car approaching two 11-year-old boys who were walking from Bruntoft Avenue to Lamberd Road.

"It’s alleged the man tried to grab one of the boys by the hand.

“The incident is reported to have happened between 8pm and 8.15pm.

“The man reported to have got out of the car is described as white, aged in his 30s, tall, fat build and wearing red, shiny, shorts.

"He is also described as having a tattoo on his left leg, thought to be red and green in colour.”

Police have also released an image showing the route the car is said to have taken as well as well as the journey the boy took on foot.

The statement continued: “The silver car is believed to have stopped at one of the two blue-coloured points on the map, either on Bruntoft Avenue or Lamberd Road.

“The boys walked across the grassed area between the two roads, marked with the red dashed line.

“After being approached the boys ran onto King Oswy Drive. It is thought the car continued on Bruntoft Avenue.”

Just 24 hours later, on Monday, September 14, two 11-year-old girls reported a man in a silver car in the King Oswy area at around 8.30am had asked them to get into his car.

They refused to do, arrived at school unharmed and informed an adult who then contacted police.

The spokesman added: “Officers remain in the area conducting inquiries. Anyone with information should contact Hartlepool CID, via the 101 number, reference 150364.

“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone 0800 555 111.”