BREAKING NEWS: Stranger approaches boy in Sompting

POLICE are investigating a report that a 12-year-old boy was approached by a man on his way to school in Sompting today (Thursday, July 21).

At 7.53am police received a report saying a boy had been approached in Test Road by a man.

The man opened the car door and asked him to get in.

The boy ran from the area and returned home.

The man is described as, white, bald, of big build and a with a croaky voice.

He was driving a small black car.

Officers are currently trying to locate the man.

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They are also patrolling the area where the incident happened and at other nearby schools.

Officers will be available to speak to any concerned parents or children.

Detective Inspector Russ Sheppard, of the Worthing response investigation team, said: “The boy did the right thing by leaving the area immediately, going to a safe place and telling his parents what had happened.

“Although there are three incidents in the Brighton area which police are investigating regarding men in black cars offering lifts to school girls, the description of the man in this report is not consistent with those.

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“Police have received an increase in reports of suspicious activity after schools and have been visiting schools to talk to the children about how to keep safe.

“The majority of these calls have shown to have an innocent explanation but police will look at every report in detail and investigate those that are considered suspicious.”

Anyone with information about this incident or any others is asked to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 quoting serial 246 of 21/7 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.