Police have warned parents about a suspicious and “worrying” approach made by men in a car towards two young boys in Inverness.
The youngsters, aged six and 10, were at Westfield Way in Westhill, near Culloden, when one of the men asked them to get into the car.
The scare happened on Sunday at around 4.30pm.
Police Inspector Alastair Garrow said: “The boys refused to get in the car and are safe and well.
“This is a worrying incident and we have carried out a review of CCTV and conducted door-to-door inquiries to ascertain who these two men are.
“One of the men is described as having a short beard and brown hair, wearing a blue and red jacket or jumper. They were driving a dark blue car.”
The force has appealed for information and local councillor, Ken Gowans, last night asked the local authority to alert all schools to make sure children are aware of the incident.
He said: “We live close to where it happened and it is awful when this happens on your doorstep.
“Hopefully the police will be able to use CCTV to track down the car and find out who these men were.”
Parents took to social media to express their concerns.
One said: “One child ran home and told their mum. All I know is it was a blue car. Please get all the kids to be extra cautious and be on our guard.”
Officers have asked anyone with information to contact them on 101 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.