A 12-YEAR-OLD boy told his family how he escaped the clutches of a driver who grabbed him by the throat.

The schoolboy said a driver pounced from his white Range Rover Evoque in Moulsecoomb, Brighton, throttling the boy and trying to get him into his car.

The boy managed to escape by bending the man’s thumb backwards and running away.

Carole Porter, the boy’s grandmother, said: “My 12-year-old grandson was playing out in Hillside, Moulsecoomb, when a white Range Rover Evoque screeched up on to the pavement and a man grabbed him by the throat and tried to pull him into the car.

“My grandson grabbed the man’s thumb and bent it back forcing him to let go and then ran to a neighbour’s house. Police said there had been a similar incident that day.”

The boy was shaken about what happened but has been out with friends since.

Rachele Shead, who asked for her son not to be named, told The Argus: “It didn’t sink in until the early hours of the morning about what really could have happened if my son didn’t get away. It’s frightening.

“I’m constantly worrying about my kids going to school and now it’s worse as my son had that attempt made on him.”

The man was said to be tanned and was wearing a black hoodie and black gloves.

Ms Shead, 40, said: “ I really want whoever this is to be stopped before they really do something bad to another child who probably won’t be so lucky.

“I don’t want that on my conscience - I don’t want any child to be put in the position my son was put in.”

People have claimed that a similar incident happened in Peacehaven recently.

This has instilled fear into other parents living in the neighbourhood.

Sarah Rea, a mother-of-five who lives in Moulsecoomb, said: “My two oldest kids are 12 and 14 and they are becoming independent and playing out in the area.

“That is a part of growing up, but now this has happened every time they go out it worries me to death.”

Miss Rea, 34, added: “Our kids are not even safe playing outside their own house now. All mothers should feel safe knowing our children can play out, but not anymore.”

The incident happened on Friday evening.

A spokeswoman for Sussex Police said: “Police were called to Hillside, Moulsecoomb after reports of a boy being grabbed by a stranger.

“The 12-year-old had been playing with friends when he reported a white Range Rover Evoque pulled up next to him and grabbed him. The boy managed to run away.

“Police attended and searched the area but couldn’t find a vehicle which matched the description.”

Anyone who saw what happened or has information can phone the police on 101 quoting serial 1427 of 23/6.