Parents in Welling have been warned to be extra vigilant after a stranger allegedly tried to grab an eight-year-old boy's arm near a school.

The incident happened in Wickham Street close to East Wickham Primary School yesterday morning, November 14 at about 9am.

The school alerted parents to the "potential abduction incident", and a spokeswoman told News Shopper: "We have very limited information but a child reported a man taking hold of his arm.

"The child is absolutely fine and the matter is in the hands of the police."

Parents were advised to collect their children and keep them close, and to inform older children about "stranger danger."

A Met Police spokeswoman said: "Police were called at 8.59hrs on Tuesday 14 November to reports of an incident outside a primary school in Wickham Street, Bexley. 

"An eight-year-old boy reported that an unknown male had grabbed his arm. His parents and school were made aware and the matter was reported.

"Bexley CID are investigating. Anyone with information can contact police on 101."