Police are hunting for the driver of a white minibus who was seen in a lay-by with a very distressed child.
The man was seen with the youngster, who was under 11, in a layby at Fairfield Cottages, Cowfold, at 4.25pm yesterday.
He was believed to be heading towards the A281.
Superintendent Jim Daly, said: "It is possible there is a perfectly innocent explanation for this. However we are treating the matter seriously until we can discount a crime being committed."
Police are appealing to anyone who saw the minibus, which had wording similar to Chichester Civic Centre for Hire on the side, to contact them.
They would also like the driver, who was about 22, with a thin face, to come forward.
Anyone with any information about the driver should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.
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