DETECTIVES investigating the attempted abduction of a 10-year-old boy while he walked to school have issued an updated description of the suspect.

The man emerged from bushes in Bailey Lane, Breightmet, and grabbed the victim's satchel and then his arm at about 8.50am on Monday.

The boy, a Year 5 pupil at nearby Red Lane Primary School, managed to kick the attacker in the shin and run off.

Police think a man walking with his two children in Red Lane at the same time may have provided an additional distraction to allow the victim to slip away, and have asked that man to come forward as a potential witness.

Extra patrols were laid on for an hour before and after school at the primary school yesterday as PCSOs reassured families and traced more witnesses and evidence.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden, of GMP's Bolton division, said the offender was: white with tanned skin, aged about 30 years old, with mousey hair, blue eyes, a medium build, an uneven lip to the left and indented cheeks.

He was wearing a short sleeve yellow T-shirt, black gloves, black trousers, blue shoes with a tick and a baseball cap with a Monster logo and stickers on it.

DI Cadden 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 who saw the suspect or knows of any similar suspicious incidents should ring police on 101.