A MAN in a van has tried to lure a young schoolboy into his van, in Redditch.

A man in a blue van stopped in a layby near Ridgeway Academy on Evesham Road in Astwood Bank and told an 11-year-old boy to get in his van.

The boy didn’t know the man and refused, however the man persisted claiming the boy’s mother was in hospital and he needed to go with him.

After the boy refused a second time the man drove off.

It happened around 3pm on Wednesday, October 9.

Detective Constable Sonya Gibbs said: “This is obviously a very concerning incident and we are appealing for any information from the public and motorists who were in the area if they have any dashcam footage that may assist in our enquiries.

"Any information, no matter how small, may help.

"While our investigation is ongoing, local teams are in contact with schools reassuring them and parents that we are following several lines of enquiries. I would also like to praise the boy concerned for being very brave and doing the right thing in refusing to get in this man’s van."

The van is as described as plain and dark blue with a ladder on the roof and a ladder to climb up to the roof.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives have been in contact with the school, reviewing CCTV and have spoken to local residents.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or seen anyone acting suspiciously in a blue van in the area of Ridgeway Middle School is asked to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting incident number 520s of 9 October 2019.