A BOY of 10 is being praised by police after he fought off a would-be abductor in Margate.

The boy and two friends were walking along St Peters footpath by Drapers Mill School when they were were approached from behind by a man aged about 40.

The 10-year-old was grabbed and pulled towards a car parked further along the road. The boy managed to kick the man, pulled his arm free and ran away.

The man had a distinctive tattoo on the back of his hand. Police are now urging parents to make sure their children are aware of “Stranger Danger”.

The boy remembers the man got into a white, three-door car and drove onto College Road, turning left. There was no-one else in the car other but there was a dog.

The offender has been described as white, about 5ft 5ins tall with untidy black hair and facial stubble. He wore a white T-shirt with Adidas printed on the front in dark letters, dark blue jeans and black trainers or shoes.

Detective Inspector Nick Greenan is leading the inquiry. He said: “Fortunately this type of crime is very rare. We would like to praise the young boy involved. He has been able to give us very detailed information about the man.”

He added: "When incidents like this happen we have a duty to make local people aware and ask that anyone who sees a man fitting this description calls Thanet Police.”

Anyone with information on the incident, which occurred at mid-day on Wednesday, is asked to call DS John Cooper on 01843 222192.