Police investigating the attempted abduction of a 12-year-old boy in Northallerton have said they do not think he was specifically targeted.

It is thought that the boy was the victim of opportunists who picked him at random as he walked to school alone.

North Yorkshire Police have again stressed that the incident is a one-off and that Northallerton is a safe place to live.

The boy was walking towards Allertonshire School, along Goosecroft Lane, at about 8.25am, on Monday, when a black BMW 5 Series pulled up alongside him.

A man, described as Asian, in his mid-30’s and dressed in a dark suit and pink tie, got out of the rear passenger door and grabbed the boy by the hand and attempted to pull him into the car.

There are thought to have been up to four other men in the car- all were said to be Asian and smartly dressed in suits and ties.

Witnesses to the incident, or who may have seen the car in the area, are asked to call Det Con Roper on 0845-60-60-247, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111, quoting the reference number 12090091934.