POLICE are hunting a man who tried to drag a teenager into a car as he walked alone along a Bolton street.

The 15-year-old boy was walking down Parkfield Road, Great Lever, when he spotted a man leaning against a nearby wall.

The man tried to speak to the teenager as he approached Rishton Lane, but the boy carried on walking.

As he passed the man, he was grabbed around the chest and dragged towards a black car which was parked off the road and had both the front passenger and driver's door open.

The teenager struggled frantically and managed to free himself before alerting the police. Detectives today released details of the incident which happened shortly before 8.20pm last Thursday night.

Det Con Liz Hopkinson, of Bolton Police, said: "This was a serious incident of somebody trying to kidnap a young teenage boy.

"It was a determined attempt to get him into the car and the man initially tried to engage the youngster in conversation before resorting to using force.

"He almost managed to drag him into the vehicle, but fortunately he managed to break free. I would urge anybody who has information to come forward and speak to police. I would also ask parents in the area to remain vigilant as it is possible that this man could strike again."

The offender is white, aged 30-35 years old and of medium to large build.

He was around 5ft 6ins tall, with short black hair and was wearing a white tracksuit top with dark-coloured arms.

He was also wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and white Reebok "classic" style trainers.

Anyone who may have seen the incident or has any information is asked to call the CID at Astley Bridge on 0161 856 5777.