Balaclava-clad van man tried to snatch boy, six, in Walsall

The attempted abduction happened in Paradise Lane, Pelsall. The youngster managed to hit out at the man and run away.

An investigation has now been launched by the police and schools in the village have sent letters out to parents warning them to be vigilant and children to be wary of strangers.

West Midlands Police spokeswoman Gina Lycett said: "Police have launched an investigation after a child was approached by a man in a white van in Pelsall.

"The six-year-old child was walking along Paradise Lane alone at around 4.30pm on Saturday when it is believed a van pulled up alongside him.

"A man got out of the van and approached the child who hit out at the stranger and ran away.

"Officers have visited the schools in the local area to remind them of the 'stranger danger' messages."

The man who approached the boy is described as white and was wearing dirty clothes and is believed to have had a face covering. The van was described as white and dirty.

In a message posted on the Pelsall Village School website, headteacher Jane Clark, said: "One of our parents has today informed us that there was an attempted abduction of her child on Saturday in Paradise Lane near the school.

"A man, dressed in black, tried to force the child into a white van. We believe there may have been another man sitting in the van. Luckily the child fought back and escaped safely.

"We will give out our Stranger Danger message in school but you may wish to be increasingly vigilant with your children outside school. We will pass any further information received directly to the police."

Pelsall councillor Garry Perry today urged anyone who sees a van acting suspiciously in the area to contact the police.

He said the attempted abduction had sent 'shockwaves' around the community as the child was so young, adding: "It is frightening and worrying, not just for the family but anyone else who lives in the area.

"It reminds us all and parents to remain vigilant at all times."