A schoolboy struggled free after a man grabbed him and tried to drag him into his car.

Two boys, aged 11 and 12, were walking along the A22 from East Grinstead to Ashurst Wood when a man in an old style blue Fiat pulled up on the other side of the road by the East Grinstead sign leading into the town.

He wound down the passenger window and asked the boys if they wanted a lift. They both said no but the man got out of the car and grabbed one of the boys by the arm.

He managed to struggle free and the shocked youngsters ran off southwards along the A22.

The man got back in his car and turned left into Hammerwood Road. The car had a European Fiat sticker on it and several toy stickers including Garfield and Beanie. The rear passenger window was blacked out.

Acting Sergeant Aron Stanley appealed to parents to take extra care.

He said: "We emphasise the ongoing importance to parents and children of remaining vigilant at all times.

"Try to ensure your children are collected from school when possible or that they walk to and from school with other children."

The man is described as tanned and of European appearance. He was wearing black clothes, leathery trousers and a woolly jumper. He had a gruff voice, stubble and a ring on one of his little fingers.

If anyone witnessed the attempted abduction, which happened about 8am yesterday or has any information they are asked to contact 0845 60 70 999 or anonymously on Crimestoppers 0800 555 111.