A Moray community is on high-alert after a young boy was approached by a stranger who offered him a lift.
The youngster was walking in Fochabers when the driver of a silver 4×4 pulled up beside him and struck up a conversation before offering him a lift home.
It is understood the frightened boy quickly declined the man’s offer and raced to a friend’s house to raise the alarm.
Last night, the community urged youngsters to be on their guard and praised the boy for his quick-thinking.
Police meanwhile appealed for the man – or anyone who saw him – to come forward to help with their inquiry.
He is described as being between 40 and 50, with a slim long face, short grey hair and stubble. He spoke with a local accent.
Officers are also keen to speak to an older man seen standing on Woodside Road when the incident happened on Sunday at 6.10pm.
Constable Roy Cook stressed they were keeping an open mind about the man’s intentions, adding: “It could be there was no malice intended here.
“However, we would like to speak to the man involved or anyone who witnessed the incident to establish the full circumstances.”
Marc Macrae, vice-chairman of Milnes High School’s parent council, said the group would discuss the incident as a matter of priority at its next meeting.
“Although I understand this incident involved a primary pupil, it is something that has implications for all parents,” he said.
“We will be talking very closely with the school’s head teacher about what can be done to ensure that all of our children are safe.
“This could have been something untoward, and I think the young lad should be praised for handling things the way he did.
“He went straight to his friend’s house and brought the matter to the attention of his parents, and from there the police became involved.
“However, some youngsters might not be so firm-minded, they could be easily led.
“This is a worrying time, especially as children tend to stay out playing for longer as the nights become lighter.”
Woodside Road is near the centre of the village, to the south of the Burn of Fochabers.
Local councillor Douglas Ross last night said that parents would naturally be concerned that the man may have had “sinister” intentions in mind.
The Fochabers Lhanbryde representative said: “While the police are right to highlight that this could be an innocent event, they are also correct to seek more information as there could also be a more sinister explanation.
“I hope anyone that has any information can come forward to assist the police.”
Anyone with information should call 101.