KENT police have renewed their an appeal for information after three men in a white van tried to snatch a schoolboy from a busy street.

The boy, aged 15, was approached by the men in a white Y-registration transit van in Mill Road, Gillingham, on Sunday afternoon.

One of the men, who was hidden in the back of the van, pulled open a side door and tried to grab the teenager.

But the youngster managed to escape into a children’s play area and ran towards two women who were playing basketball.

Police saty the women may be vital witnesses to the incident and Medway Police would like to speak to them as a matter of urgency. The women were in their 30s with short brown hair and one was wearing a red top.

A spokesman for Medway Police said: “The first offender is a white man in his 30s.

“He is about 5ft 9in, slightly fat, blond/brown hair worn in a curtain style.

He had a pale complexion and spoke with a northern accent and was wearing a white shirt.

“The driver is also white and in his 30s, of about the same height with- short brown hair and of medium build. He was wearing a blue hooded top with white writing on the front.

“The third offender is also white of small build with ginger hair. He was wearing a green top.”

About 10 minutes after this incident, it is believed the same van drove into nearby Wyles Street.

The spokesman added: “We would appeal for the women playing basketball or anyone else who may have seen, or who may have information in connection with this incident, to contact Det Sgt Kerry Rothwell at Rochester Police Station on 01634 884002 at Medway Police or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.