Police are concerned for the safety of a distressed boy seen in the company of two scruffy men.

Officers were alerted by members of the public at 6pm yesterday.

The boy, aged eight or nine with fair hair and wearing glasses and a red shirt, was first spotted in Viaduct Road and later in Montpelier Crescent, Brighton.

Police said the two men with him both had long hair and were shabbily dressed in jeans and shirts.

A force spokesman said: "The boy appeared upset and we are anxious to establish his safety."

Anyone who saw the boy in Viaduct Road, New England Road or Montpelier Crescent should call Brighton police on 0845 6070999.

Inspector Ivor Fabb, leading the inquiry, said: "This could be a purely innocent case of a fractious child being taken home, but we want to be sure.

"We want parents who were with their child in those areas at that time to come forward. We simply want to be sure of the child's safety."