A MAN tried to coax a 10-year-old boy into his car in Hereford this morning.

The boy was walking alone in Honddu Close, Redhill, at 9.45am when a car pulled across the road and stopped by the pavement.

The driver got out of the dark green car and told the boy there were sweets for him in the vehicle, which were on a rear seat.

He blocked the boy’s path when the youngster tried to leave but the child was able to run around him and head for home.

He saw the driver get back into the vehicle and drive towards Green Croft and Standale Road.

The car is described as a large four-door BMW saloon and the driver is described as dark-skinned, possibly with Mediterranean or North African skin colouring.

He had thick black hair with a low neck line and a black moustache and is believed to be in his mid-20's, 6ft tall and of proportionate build.

The man spoke with a gravelly voice and with a foreign, possibly French, accent.

Police said he wore a plain white T-shirt, denim jeans and white trainers with stripes in a Reebok Classic style.

Officers say while incidents like this are extremely rare in Herefordshire, they have urged local communities, especially parents, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly involving a dark green BMW, to them immediately, using the 999 system if appropriate at the time.

Any witnesses to the attempted abduction should contact PC Jim Phillips from Leominster CID on 0300 333 3000 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.