POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man threatened to hurt a 12-year-old boy if he didn’t get into his van, before chasing the terrified youngster through the streets.

The sinister incident happened in Gloucester Road, Ross-on-Wye, around 7pm on Friday when a large white van pulled up behind the boy.

A West Mercia Police spokesman said the driver got out and ordered the youngster in a foreign accent to get into the van or he would hurt him.

The boy fled into the Ryefield Centre car park pursued by the man, where the youngster was able to alert a member of the public by pointing to the assailant, who then ran off.

The driver was described as white, 30 to-40 years old, of medium build with brown hair, and wearing a black beanie type hat and a brown jacket.

The member of the public advised the boy to go straight home and tell his parents, and police would like to speak to this man as he may have vital information about the incident.

He is described as being in his 60s with grey facial hair, and wearing a stripy top.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or saw somebody acting suspiciously in the Glou­cester Road or wider Ross on Wye area, is asked to call West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 734S of 22 September.