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

Detectives in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, believe the youngster was the victim of opportunists who chose him at random as he walked to school alone.

The boy was walking towards the 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-30s 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 were 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 anyone who may have seen the car in the area, are asked to call Detective Constable Jason Roper on 0845-6060247, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111, quoting the reference number 12090091934.