Young boy attacked in Portsmouth park – police hunt mystery man
A nine-year-old boy was grabbed from behind by a strange man in Portsmouth, sparking a police probe.
Chilling encounter in Laburnham Grove
The incident happened between 3 and 4pm on Thursday, September 15, just as the school day ended. The boy was in Laburnham Grove when the older man suddenly put his arms around him. Quick-thinking, the boy kicked the man’s leg and broke free before running home to his parents.
Police hunt man with grey beard and flat cap
The boy described the man as white, about 5ft 9in tall, muscular with a skinny face, messy bob-style grey hair and a grey beard. He wore a light grey t-shirt with an emblem, trousers, one boot, a light brown flat cap, and had rings on his left hand. Notably, the man had spots on his forehead.
Detective calls for witnesses
“This happened at the end of the school day so there may have been others around who saw this man or recognise him,” said Detective Constable Lorraine Bell. “We don’t yet know what his intentions were, but the boy was understandably shaken. We’ve increased patrols to keep the area safe and urge anyone with information to come forward.”
If you saw anything or recognise this man, contact Hampshire Police on 101 immediately.
