A 10-year-old boy was grabbed and forced down an alley by a man before he managed to escape.

Police are investigating the attempted abduction that took place yesterday afternoon.

The boy had been walking on the road when he was grabbed by a man from behind who then forced him down an alley and onto nearby wasteland.

The boy managed to escape and returned to his home.

Police attended at around 3.45pm and have launched a full investigation to establish the circumstances around the incident.

The incident took place in Castle Way, Clifton.

The man has been described as black, around 6ft 4 tall and in his late twenties.

Detective Inspector Joe Clarke of GMP’s Salford Borough, said: “People in the area will understandably be concerned that this has happened to a young boy.

“We have a team of officers carrying out a number of enquiries and have increased patrols in the area, please talk to them if you have any concerns.

“It was a busy time of day, so I’m really appealing for anyone who heard a disturbance at this time, or saw something that stood out from the norm, to get in touch and help our investigation.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8361 or 101, quoting incident number 1497 of 27/09/17.

Reports can also be made anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.