AN investigation into an incident where an unknown man was thought to have attempted to grab a young boy in Popley is not being treated as suspicious, detectives said this afternoon.

On Wednesday it was reported that a 10-year-old boy was approached by a man in his 30s near to Marnel Junior School on Shetland Road at around 3.15pm.

It is was said that the man tried to put his arms around the boy from behind, but the boy carried on walking towards to his mum who was nearby, and they continued to walk home. The man then disappeared.

Police released an appeal for more information regarding the "suspicious" incident.

On Friday Hampshire Constabulary said that following an investigation, the incident is not being treated as an attempted abduction.

Detective Inspector Ben Chivers said: “Reports of this nature are clearly worrying for parents, but please be reassured that we take them extremely seriously and will investigate them fully.

“Speculation and rumour, particularly on social media sites, is not always accurate and sometimes causes more alarm.

“We are aware of concerns in the local community about these types of incidents. We will always share as much information with parents as we can as quickly as possible. However, we have to carry out various enquiries to establish the circumstances.”