It has been reported to police that two men in a car tried to abduct an eight-year-old boy playing near to his home in Morden.

According to the child’s mother, who wished to remain anonymous, her son was playing with a group of friends when a small white car stopped in the road to allow him to retrieve his ball.

The mother said: “One of the men asked him if he wanted to go with him to buy some drinks. He said no and stepped back just as one of my neighbours saw what was happening and came over, and the car drove away.

“I never let him go off on his own. I could see where he was playing from my kitchen window, but had turned to talk to his brother. I’m glad my neighbour was there.

“Luckily he’s a sensible child, he knows not to get in cars. We’re definitely more protective of him now, and he’s more nervous around strangers.”

The attempted abduction is reported to have taken place at the corner of Malmesbury Road and Leominster Road at around 6.15pm on Thursday, September 15.

A spokesman for Merton police said: “Local safer neighbourhood teams are aware of a one-off alleged incident where an occupant in a vehicle may have spoken to a child.

“There are no leads at this time and the child is safe and well. Police continue to patrol the area and welcome any further information.”