Teenager escapes abduction

Police have appealed for witnesses to the incident

A Gloucester schoolboy escaped from a man who tried to abduct him as he walked home from school.

The 15-year-old was walking along Stroud Road near Ribston Hall School at around 1845 GMT on Wednesday evening when a Transit van pulled up next to him.

The driver got out and asked him for money to buy diesel, saying he needed to get home to Bristol.

When the youngster said he did not have any cash, the man asked him to get into the van so he could go and get some.

Witness appeal

He refused and ran to a nearby park where he met his brother.

When the pair went back to the road they saw the white van, which had blacked out rear windows, speeding off towards Gloucester Park.

The driver is described as white, of medium build, in his late 20s and with short light brown hair. He was wearing a checked shirt and jeans.

Police have appealed for help to trace the man, and any witnesses to the incident are asked to contact the police.