AN extra police presence was laid on to reassure parents and find witnesses the day after a 10-year-old boy fought off a man who tried to abduct him on his way to school.

One detective described the youngster's experience as a "terrifying ordeal" and urged a passer-by who may have seen what happened to come forward.

The victim escaped the clutches of a stranger who emerged from bushes and tried to seize him as he walked along Bailey Lane in Breightmet in his way to Red Lane Primary School nearby at 8.50am on Monday.

The suspect grabbed the boy's satchel and then his arm in an attempt to drag him away, but the youngster kicked in him in the shin and ran off.

Parents and residents were shocked and upset when news of the incident broke.

Lisa Whittaker, headteacher of Red Lane Primary School, said: "I met with police officers this morning.

"We have put out a text message to parents once we were fully informed of the situation, just asking parents to be vigilant going to and from school.

"The police are going to be around an hour before and an hour after school to see if they can find any more witnesses so everyone is safe.

"The junction of Red Lane and Bailey Lane is very busy in the morning and I would be surprised if there were no more witnesses."

The older sister of the victim said her brother had returned home after the scare because he could not gain access to the school office.

Ms Whittaker said: "The office was very busy at that time and there were children in the playground who he spoke to but didn't tell about the incident. He said he had forgotten his homework.

"There was someone in that office at that time of day. We have someone from 8.45am and members of staff are out there in the playground.

"If it is earlier, the pre-school club are there in the dining room, with big windows that look out on to the playground, and children can go in there for help."

She said parents must sign a letter acknowledging it is their choice and responsibility to allow their child to walk to school alone, which normally happens when the youngster is in Year 5 or Year 6.

The school will be reminding children about keeping themselves safe.

Ms Whittaker said: "We do look at 'stranger danger'. It's part of our personal and social curriculum and we will be re-visiting these units of work with all classes this week."

Police said at the time of the attack a man was walking along Red Lane with his two children, which appeared to distract the attacker, and this allowed the boy to escape.

The attacker – a white man with a tan, around 30 years old and with bags or circles under his eyes and wearing a yellow top and black trousers – ran off up Bailey Lane, towards Withins Lane and is being sought by police.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden of GMP’s Bolton borough, said: "The attacker has put this young boy through a terrifying ordeal.

"We have extra reassurance patrols in the area and are working closely with schools during the school run to ensure the safety of the children.

"I’m urging anyone who has any information to contact police as soon as possible.

"Also, if you think you were the man walking with two children to school that morning, please get in touch."

Anyone with information should call police on 101.