Police are investigating the alleged abduction of a child on their way home from school in South Croydon.
A man is said to have tried to grab an 11-year-old boy in Farnborough Avenue, Selsdon, and threatened to kill him if he told anyone.
The boy pulled away and escaped in the direction of Gravel Hill following the incident, near the junction with Farnborough Crescent, at around 3.40pm on Monday, January 20.
The man climbed out of a car before the alleged attempt, it is understood.
Neighbourhood police officers are carrying out additional patrols following the incident and local schools have warned parents to be vigilant.
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "We can confirm we have received an allegation of an attempted abduction of a schoolboy in Farnborough Avenue on Monday 20 January.
"The incident is said to have happened in Farnborough Avenue, near the junction with Farnborough Crescent at approximately 15:40hrs as the 11-year-old boy was making his way home from school.
"The victim is said to have been grabbed by the arm by the male suspect, before pulling away and making off in the direction of Gravel Hill.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Croydon police on 101.
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