PARENTS are being warned to be on their guard after an eight-year-old boy was dragged from a play area and sexually assaulted.

The boy had been playing with his friend under skating ramps at Beechings Green, off Beechings Way, Gillingham, when he was approached by a man.

Police are appealing for help in tracing the offender, who they say is of distinctive appearance. He had no front teeth.

The man grabbed the boy by the wrist and pulled him out of the park and dragged him along busy Beechings Way towards Eastcourt Lane where they crossed the road.

The man then sexually assaulted the boy before running off up Eastcourt Lane.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and warning parents to be vigilant after the attack which happened at about 12.45pm on Wednesday.

The traumised boy was then able to get himself home and told him mother what had happened.

Officers immediately sent patrol cars to the area, but were unable to trace the man. He is aged between 50 to 70, about 5ft 10in tall and fat. His front teeth were missing and he was wearing a blue fishing hat, yellow T-shirt and green trousers.

Det Con Graham Oliver, said: "The man has a very distinctive appearance and we would appeal for anyone who may have seen him to contact us as a matter of urgency."

Police are appealing for anyone with information or may have been in the area at the time of the assault to contact Medway Police on 01634 884252 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. All calls to Crimestoppers are free and are treated in the strictest of confidence.