POLICE in Bolton are appealing for information after a member of the public became concerned about the welfare of a young boy in Farnworth.

Shortly after 9.30pm on Sunday, a boy, aged seven or eight, was seen walking along Greenland Road towards the One Stop Convenience store.

As he walked towards the shop, a man picked him up in his arms and carried the shouting child back down Greenland Road.

A police spokesman said: "There is no evidence to suggest the boy has been abducted.

"It is quite possible he was being taken home by someone known to him.

"However, officers would like to speak to his parents to ensure he is all right."

The boy is described as 4ft tall and of slim build. He has blond, short hair and was wearing a matching tracksuit top and bottoms.

The man has been described as white, aged about 40, 5ft 10in tall, of big build with a shaved head and a thin moustache.

He was wearing a white baseball cap with black stripes, a white T-shirt with two blue lines running horizontally across the chest and blue jeans.

Anyone with information should contact police in Bolton on 0161 856 5755 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.