AN 11-year-old boy has admitted lying to police about an alleged attempted abduction.

The boy claimed a man tried to abduct him outside the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway in New Romney between 8am and 9am on March 6.

But it has now been discovered that the allegations were made up and police say they are "appalled" by the lie.

The boy and witnesses have admitted lying to the investigating officer about the incident and the description of the alleged offender, which was circulated as an e-fit image, was false.

Police say the 11-year-old-boy and the witnesses will be dealt with for wasting police time.

Det Insp Gavin Moss of Weald Police said: "The police take reports such as this very seriously indeed, as illustrated by the amount of time and resources have been given to this investigation.

"Wasting police time has serious implications, not only taking officers off other investigations, but also raises the fear of crime in the community.

"I am appalled that the false allegation was made in the first place, and that the lie was continued for a week."