POLICE want to reassure parents that social media reports of a man trying to abduct a boy are false.

West Mercia Police was called about a man acting suspiciously in Fernhill Heath, near Worcester, at around 6pm on Tuesday.

Parents wrote on Facebook that a teacher at Hindlip CE First School, in Fernhill Heath, told them about the attempted abduction.

Inspector Tanya Beckett, of Worcester Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “Officers have been out and spoken to the boy and his family about the incident and have established nothing untoward occurred.

“The call was made in good faith. It is not believed to be linked to any other incidents.”

A man allegedly grabbed a 12-year-old girl in Merrimans Hill Road, Worcester, on Thursday, November 8, although she managed to get away.

Another man tried to lure a schoolboy into his van in St John's, Worcester, last month, although the 11-year-old walked away from him, according to his mum.

Police launched investigations into both cases.

Hindlip CE First School declined to comment.