POLICE are warning parents and young people to be on their guard after two attempted abductions in a week.

The first incident involved a teenage boy who was grabbed by a man in The Boulevard, Great Sutton at 5.40pm last Wednesday.

The 14-year-old youth was walking along the pavement when he was pounced on by his attacker who grabbed him by the arm and demanded he get inside his car.

The youngster managed to break free from his grasp by striking the offender in the face before running home to safety.

The second attempted abduction was in the Megabowl in Coliseum Way at 2pm on Sunday when a man walked with a nine-year-old boy out of the toilets.

It's believed the offender tried to take the youngster out of the building.

The boy managed to escape the man's grasp before running off to re-join his friends who were bowling in the company of adults.

Police are currently examining CCTV footage from the area. Although they say there is no link between the two attempts, they are not ruling out the possibility.

A Cheshire Police spokesperson: 'At this stage it is too early to say whether the two incidents are linked but we are keeping an open mind.

'We advise parents and young people to be mindful of the incidents, which are causing some concern.

'We would also like to remind people to be vigilant with children when in large public areas.' Prior to the first attack, the teenage boy had noticed the man parked in a white Vauxhall vehicle, believed to be an Astra, talking on a mobile phone.

The man is described as white, in his early 20s, between 5ft 10ins and 6ft tall and of skinny build. It is possible he might have bruising on his face as a result of the struggle.

The offender was wearing black gloves and a black hooded jumper bearing the name of the heavy metal band Slipknot.

The top also bore a picture of red or pink heart on the front with a nail through it dripping blood.

During the attack the man was wearing the hood over his head.

The vehicle he was driving appeared to be shiny and had a fluffy black dice with white spots hanging from the interior mirror.

During the second incident, after the boy had run off, the offender was seen heading towards the games machines and is also believed to have stopped to stroke a dog in the foyer area.

He is described as white, aged about 35, of average build, with blond hair, wearing a green shirt with three-quarter length sleeves and black jeans.

It is also possible the offender has a scar on his left hand.

Anyone with information about the attempted abduction in The Boulevard should contact DC Clare Fletcher on 01244 613134.

If you have any information about the incident at the Megabowl contact DC Ray Gordge on 01244 616053 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.