A VAN driver is being hunted by police after he grabbed an eight-year-old boy in Lymington.

The boy was playing in Samber Close at about 4pm yesterday when he was approached by the unidentified man.

The man is then said to have grabbed the boy’s arm, but he managed to wriggle free and run away.

Hampshire constabulary say no description of the man or further details of the van are available at this stage.

Now neighbourhood inspector Richard Parsons has warned local schools and parents to keep an eye out for the suspect.

"We have been in touch with local schools and will be carrying out reassurance patrols," he added.

"If parents hear their children talking about anything unusual, please report this to us.

"If you have any information about this incident or have private CCTV that may have recorded something in the area, please call 101 quoting 44170396855."