A MAN clad in black rubber gloves and a balaclava attempted to grab a small boy in darkness. 

The man, who was dressed in black with white lettering on his left leg, got out of a car in Bournemouth and approached a 12-year-old boy. 

He did not say anything to him, but instead went to grab him and put his arms on his shoulders, before the youth was able to flee the scene, police say. 

The incident happened last week but police have only now released details.

Officers have been alerted to the suspicious incident and are now hunting for the man who was wearing a baseball cap. 

The car he got out of is described as dark blue or black with yellow headlights and a roof rack. 

The incident happened at around 5.30pm on Thursday, November 9 at the junction of Montgomery Avenue and South Kinson Drive. 

Police constable Bethany Pharoah, of Bournemouth police, said: “We are carrying out an investigation to establish the full circumstances of this incident and I would like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the relevant time and witnessed any suspicious activity. 

“I would also urge any motorists who were driving in the vicinity, or residents with home CCTV or doorbell cameras, to please check their footage for anything that might assist our enquiries.” 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230177371.  

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.