A van driver chased a primary school pupil in what the boy's mother believes was an attempted abduction.

The Hackbridge Primary School student was walking in Wolseley Road, Mitcham, after school yesterday when a white Transit pulled up, Sutton police said today in an appeal for information.

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The driver got out and chased the boy for a short distance before going back to the van and driving away, police said. He did not touch or talk to the boy.

He is described as mixed race, in his mid-20s, about 6ft and thin. He was wearing a dark navy-blue hoodie, jeans and trainers. A passenger in the van did not get out, police said.

The boy's mother said: "My son just ran for his life. I just thank God that he's quite active and can just run.

"It's disgusting - our children just can't be safe these days.

"I can't think of if they had got him what would have happened."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sutton police said children who are approached by a stranger should:

  • Make as much noise as they can
  • Run to the nearest safe place
  • Report what has happened to police immediately