Police hunt 'attempted kidnapper' after boy, 14, narrowly escapes snatch attempt in west London

E-fit: An artist's impression of the man police want to trace
Metropolitan Police
Ramzy Alwakeel12 November 2015
WEST END FINAL

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A teenage boy was chased down the street on his way to school by a would-be kidnapper and had to hide in a garden to escape.

The schoolboy's terrifying ordeal began when the man pulled up to the kerb and told him to get in to his silver car.

The 14-year-old victim refused and the man lunged at him.

After failing to get hold of the boy, the predator chased him down the street.

It happened as the child was walking to school in Fitzneal Street, Shepherd’s Bush, on Wednesday last week.

A full version of the image police have released Metropolitan Police
Metropolitan Police

Det Const Guy Hookway, from Hammersmith and Fulham police, said on Thursday: “After the boy ran off the suspect chased him.

“He managed to hide in a nearby garden, where he called his mum who immediately contacted police on 999.

“Fortunately the boy managed to run away from the suspect and raise the alarm.

“He is still very shocked by what happened and is bewildered as to why someone would want to do this to him.

"He is obviously worried but luckily he is safe and well and no harm came to him.

“However, it is very important that we locate this man.

"If anyone recognises him from the e-fit image then I urge you to contact police immediately.”

The suspect is described as a white man, aged between 30 and 40 years. He is about 5ft 11ins tall and slim built.

He had short, black spiky hair, police said.

He was wearing a black bomber jacket, dark blue jeans and white trainers.

His car may have been a Vauxhall Astra.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Det Const Hookway at Hammersmith and Fulham police on 020 8246 2505 or Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

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