A nine-year-old boy was nearly snatched off the street in the heart of Brighton.
The attempted child-snatching occured just walking distance from the beach front on Dyke Road, near to St Nicholas Rest Garden at 8.45am on Friday June 13.
The suspect then continued to follow him down the road, Sussex police said.
A 39-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession of a Class B drug.
Sign up for all of the latest stories
Start your day informed with Metro’s News Updates newsletter or get Breaking News alerts the moment it happens.
The force told Metro the man has been bailed with strict conditions, pending further enquiries.
Police officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.
Around 11 million people visit the seaside hotspot each year which recenly became the UK’s 13th largest city.
Sussex Police said in a statement: ‘Police are appealing for information after a 9-year-old boy was reportedly followed by a man in Dyke Road, near to St Nicholas Rest Garden, in Brighton.
‘The incident was said to have happened at around 8.45am on 13 June, and that a man had tried to grab the boy and then followed him along the road.
‘A 39-year-old man from Brighton was arrested on suspicion of common assault and possession of a Class B drug.
‘Officers are appealing for witnesses, and ask that if you were in the area at the time and saw what happened, or have any information, you make a report.’
Witnesses can contact police online or by calling 101.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
