KENT Police have issued an e-fit of a man who attempted to abduct an 11-year-old boy on his way to school.

The boy, who lives in the village of Dymchurch, near Hythe, was following some friends when he was grabbed on Monday between 8am and 8.30am.

He caught the train to the light railway station and was walking along Station Road into Station Approach on his way to Southlands School, New Romney.

The boy struggled free and ran on to the grounds of the Captain Howey pub. The attacker ran off.

The boy stayed in the grounds of the pub before rejoining friends and reported the attack when he got to school.

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Gavin Moss said: “This is a relatively rare crime and I would like to reassure people. I do not want to alarm the public.

“We are asking people to be vigilant and advise children to walk to school in groups and report anything suspicious.”

Police say the boy was shaken but not physically hurt.

Police would like to speak to the driver of an old white Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Astra, who pulled up close to the boy. The driver is not a suspect.

The attacker is in his mid 20s, with a shaven head and facial hair in a vertical line from his bottom lip to his chin. He is 5ft 11in, of medium build with tanned white skin.

He was wearing a white hooded Lonsdale top and grey or silver jogging bottoms with an Ecco motif.

*Anyone who witnessed the incident or has have any information is asked to telephone Det Sgt Chris Benson on 01233 896281 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.