A HAMPSHIRE dad has told how his ten-year-old son foiled an abduction attempt by kicking and punching his way free.

The boy was walking along Bellemoor Road in Upper Shirley, Southampton, when he was targeted by a man who scooped him up and tried to carry him off.

But the youngster put up a fight and managed to escape as his would-be abductor ran up the street.

Police are liaising with Shirley schools and mounting extra patrols in the area following the attempted snatch - the second in a few months.

The boy is a pupil at Shirley Junior School and was about 20 seconds from the gates when his assailant struck.

Last night the boy's father, who asked not to be named, said: "He was walking to a nearby park to meet his mum when a complete stranger ran across the road and grabbed him.

"He picked him up and started running - but my lad kicked and punched his way free after a few metres.

"I was very angry when I heard what happened. I wanted to drive around looking for the man but the police were already doing that. They responded very quickly.

"My son's OK but was a bit shaken up."

The traumatic incident comes just seven months after a man tried to abduct a 16-year-old girl in the same street.

As reported in the Daily Echo, the driver of a black Skoda Octavia slowed down and told the girl to jump into his car, but the Taunton College student escaped unharmed as the vehicle sped off. The two incidents are not thought to be connected.

Police say the latest attempted snatch took place at the St James's Park end of Bellemoor Road just after 3.30pm on Monday.

A police spokesman said: "Reports of this nature are always treated seriously and this report is currently being treated as an attempted abduction.

"This was at the end of the school day and we believe lots of people were around who might be able to help us understand the exact circumstances of what happened.

"We're working to ensure communities feel safe and reassured.

"Southampton West Neighbourhood Policing team have been carrying out patrols in the area and continue to work closely with Shirley Junior School and surrounding schools while the investigation is ongoing."

The man ran off in the direction of Hill Lane after the boy broke free. He is described as black, with a beard, and was wearing a black T-shirt and blue skinny jeans.

Anyone with information should call Hampshire Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 44180159354.