Police in Wigan are hunting a man who tried to abduct two schoolboys.
Between midday and 12.45pm on Monday 19 July 2010, the victims, aged nine and 10, were going to a chip shop when they noticed a white van parked on Springfield Gardens, Golborne.
The van then passed them slowly, before reversing up a drive and making a U-turn, heading back towards the boys.
A passenger shouted for the boys to come and look at something and the boys stepped closer.
The man then grabbed the older boy and tried to grab his friend.
Both managed to run away.
The van is described as being a Ford Transit style, with writing on the side and a wheelbarrow in the back.
The man who grabbed the boys is described as being white with short dark spiky hair and tanned skin, possibly aged between 30 and 40.
The van driver is described as being scruffy.
Detective Constable Andrew Hill, from Wigan CID, said: "There are a lot of vans like that in the area, so I'd like people to focus in particular on the description of those two men.
"I'd also like to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen anything.
"It is an experience which has left these young victims feeling quite upset and scared, but I do not want to cause any undue alarm in the community.
"I would like to reassure parents this is being treated as an isolated incident. However, we would ask that young people especially follow a few simple safety tips such as walking in groups and avoiding shortcuts.
"I'd also add that it is wise not to speak to strangers."
Anyone with any information should call Wigan CID on 0161 856 5307, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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