ANDOVER police are hunting a man who indecently assaulted a young boy and attempted to abduct him and his brother while they were playing on the King Arthur's Way estate.

The children, aged four and six were in the park at the bottom of Camelot Close with two other girls aged seven and eight.

It was about 2 30pm on Saturday when they were approached by the man who verbally abused the two girls and then started talking to the boys.

"The girls were extremely scared and ran off to find their parents," said Det Sgt Paul Taylor leading the inquiry. "Their mothers came out moments later and saw the man leading the two small boys away from the play park towards some bushes and the area of Anton Lakes.

"The women shouted at the man, who immediately let go of the boys' hands and ran off towards the Anton Lakes."

He was chased by four residents and was last seen running across a field near Shepherd Spring Lane. Police believe he ran through the River Anton and into the lower area of the Artist's Way estate.

He's described as aged 20 to 30, of tanned Mediterranean or Eastern European appearance with short dark hair. He's of medium, stocky build, about 5ft 6ins tall and was wearing a white cap, a dark blue top with white markings and blue denim jeans. His speech is described as 'broken English' and he would have had wet clothing when in Artist's Way.

Another witness has said they saw a similarly described man sitting near the play park in Launcelot Close, King Arthur's Way shortly before 2 30pm. Police are linking this to the offence.

Members of the Child Protection Team are interviewing the children.

Det Sgt Taylor added: "This is an incident that we are treating very seriously. We are seeking the assistance of the public who were in the area of King Arthur's Way and the nearby Anton Lakes between 2pm and 3pm on Saturday who may have seen this man or know his identity."

Anyone with information, should call Andover police on 0845 045 45 45.