Police patrols have been increased around a St Albans primary school following an alleged attempted abduction of an 11-year-old boy.

Detective Inspector Neil Langford at Herts Police said that the boy was alleged to have been approached by a man, who was on foot, yesterday (Thursday) at Wheatfields School, Downes Road.

It was reported that the man claimed he was there to collect the boy on his parents’ behalf.

The boy did not go with the man, instead returning to the school, and the man walked away.

Det Insp Langford said the man did not say anything further, did not attempt to grab or touch the boy and did not attempt to follow him.

The man is described as white, aged 40 to 50, with short black hair.

He was wearing a blue t-shirt and black Nike shorts. He didn’t have a local accent.

Det Insp Langford said: “We are taking this incident very seriously and are working to establish exactly what has happened. We are looking at all lines of inquiry, including whether this could be a case of mistaken identity.”

He added: “We would like to speak to the man urgently to establish why he was at the school. If anyone believes they know the identity of this man or if anyone believes they were the man, please contact me straight away. Equally, if anyone saw anyone anything suspicious around the time of the incident at or near the school please contact St Albans Local Crime Unit.

“As a precautionary measure we have increased our police patrols in the area and urge anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously near a school to contact police straight away. I would also ask that parents take the opportunity to remind their children about what to do should they be approached by a stranger.”

If you have information on this alleged incident, contact St Albans Local Crime Unit via the non-emergency number 101. Alternatively call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.