Police hunt man who grabbed teenage boy on Hartlepool street

The 14-year-old boy was walking onto Throston Grange Lane from Easington Road when he was approached by a man who grabbed his arm.

The incident is reported to have taken place on Wednesday, August 26, between 7.20pm and 7.40pm.

As the boy was walked to the junction of Throston Close, a vehicle described as a ‘long, red car’ drove towards him and stopped.

The driver, who was wearing a balaclava, got out of the vehicle and grabbed hold of the boy by his arm and attempted to pull him into the vehicle.

The boy was able to wriggle free and he made off along Easington Road.

The same vehicle is then reported to have driven passed the boy on Easington Road.

Cleveland Police have launched an appeal for information to help find the man.

The force is looking for witnesses to the incident and is asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen the incident itself to contact them.

Investigating officer, PC Mark Snowball, said: “Understandably, this incident may cause some concern amongst members of our local community.

“This inquiry is at an early stage and we have not yet spoken to the man involved to find out his intentions.

“We have carried out inquiries with regards to local CCTV and other door to door inquiries in the area, however, we would also like to hear from people who may have been in the area at the time and may have seen the incident itself.

“I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed the incident or anyone in the local area with CCTV or dash cam footage who may have footage which could assist this investigation.”

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have further information is asked to call 101, quoting incident number 139753.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111, or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

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