A man tried to abduct a ten-year-old boy as he walked home from school, but was prevented when neighbours challenged him.

Residents in Blackley, Manchester spotted the man trying to carry the child away at around 3:30pm on Monday and intervened.

The suspect had followed the boy off a bus after school and grabbed him from behind as he walked home.

He then put his hand over the boy's mouth and tried to carry him away, police said.

The man is described as white, of large build and with a moustache and a goatie beard. His age is unknown.