A MAN reportedly approached a boy outside his house and tried to lure him into his van with sweets, police have said. 

Officers are investigating the attempted abduction of a six-year-old in Clapham. 

The incident happened at around 4.30pm on Thursday, April 22 in Clarence Avenue SW4.

It has been reported that the victim was just outside his house when he was approached by a man who briefly spoke to him over the garden wall.

He is alleged to have said that he had some sweets and drinks in his van before the child ran back inside and alerted his mother.

By the time she came outside the man had left but she did not see the man or the alleged van. 

Police have confirmed the boy was physically unharmed.

Wimbledon Times:

The suspect was described by the victim as a brown skinned male, around 5ft 6in tall, with short black hair, wearing a blue blazer, and black trousers.

Detective Sergeant Mark Pascall, investigating, said: “Incidents of this nature are very rare and in this instance the boy was not harmed at all.

"Nonetheless, I completely understand the concern it has caused both the boy’s family and the community, and can assure local people that we are taking this incident very seriously.

“We are doing everything we can to identify the man described and urge anyone who was in the area at the time and saw a man acting suspiciously to contact us. 

"If you were driving and have dash cam footage that may have captured the man described, please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting reference CRIS 1210094/21

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.