A manhunt has been launched after a man attempted to abduct a 9-year-old boy in Amersham on Friday evening.

The victim was walking along Quarrendon Road between 6pm and 7pm when he stopped to do his shoes up.

He was approached from behind by a person, believed to be a man, who put his hands around his waist. The boy ran away and didn’t see the offender.

The boy was not injured during the incident and he and his family are being supported by officers.

Thames Valley Police have confirmed they are currently investigating the incident as an attempted child abduction.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Glen Turner of Force CID in Aylesbury, said: “We have begun conducting a thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of this incident.

“There will be additional police patrols in the area so if you have any concerns or questions, then please don’t hesitate to stop and speak to our officers.

“I would like the community to know that we take reports of this nature seriously and will continue to investigate.

“We are appealing for witnesses to this incident and any CCTV images or dash-cam footage from the area at that time.”

Please contact Thames Valley Police on 101 quoting reference 43190163912 or make a report online.

If you do not wish to speak directly with police, you can call Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.