Police are investigating after a boy was grabbed from behind by a man in an alleyway.
The "suspicious incident" happened in The Glen, Palacefields, in Cheshire, shortly before 1pm, police say.
A spokeswoman for Cheshire Constabulary said the nine-year-old boy was walking along the alley when the man grabbed him.
He ran home and told his mother who reported it to the police.
Detective Sergeant Ian Smith said: “The boy did the right thing by going straight home and telling an adult straightaway.
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"We have been making numerous enquiries in the area including checking CCTV and have stepped up our patrols in The Glen to provide reassurance.
“I would appeal to anyone with information to contact police so that we can establish the circumstances.”
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire police on 101 or visit www.cheshire.police.uk quoting IML 699348.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
