A CHILD was asked to get in a stranger's car while he was playing on the pavement of a Bournemouth street.

Dorset Police has launched door-to-door and CCTV enquiries following the suspicious activity.

It was reported that at around 5.05pm on Saturday, February 6, an 11-year-old boy was playing on the pavement of MacLaren Road in Moordown when a white Nissan Leaf approached him.

The force said the male driving the car, who was unknown to the boy, asked the victim to get in, but he said no and the request was repeated until the boy ran away.

The driver of the car is described as having a beard and was wearing a blue jacket. A woman was sitting in the front passenger seat of the car and there was a young child in a car seat in the back.

Officers investigating the incident are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

PC Jason Barnes-Warden, of Bournemouth police, said: “At this time it is not known whether this was a genuine misunderstanding or whether there was anything more suspicious behind this interaction.

“I understand this incident will cause some concern, but I would like to reassure members of the public that we have been carrying out a number of enquiries, including house-to-house visits and checking CCTV in the area.

“I would like to appeal directly to the driver of the Nissan to come forward so that we can take your account and establish exactly what happened.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the car in the area around the time of the incident and witnessed what happened.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210022452. Alternatively, to stay 100 per cent anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or call Freephone 0800 555 111.