The attempted abduction of two boys in Eastbourne yesterday has sparked major concern among residents in the area this week.
According to emerging reports, the 12-year-old schoolchildren were making their way to school by bike when a man attempted to abduct them in Hampden Park.
Taking to social media in the aftermath of the shocking event, a sibling of one of the children wrote: "This morning my 12-year-old brother and his friend were cycling to school through Hampden Park. As they got near the cafe a tall black man wearing high-vis started to run after them."
Elaborating on the altercation which is believed to have taken place at approximately 07.45, they continued: "He tried to grab my brother’s bag on his back and pull him back. Luckily my brother was fast enough to have a bit of a head start."
Thankfully, the schoolboys managed to escape despite being pursued by the assailant, with another concerned resident highlighting the issue online, writing: "The man gave chase after the boys, trying to grab hold of them by their bags on their backs."
Highlighting the severity of the issue, she continued: "The boys were very shaken up and one nearly got knocked down as he was trying to get away."
It has been confirmed that both police and school officials have been informed of the incident.
